Adenomyosis

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2008

Please read this article on eMedicine about adenomyosis. It includes very detailed and difficult to understand pathophysiology: http://www.emedicine.com/radio/TOPIC737.HTM - this is what I could get from it until it got too technical: "Adenomyosis, although considered a variant of endometriosis, is different because of its behavior. . .It causes chronic bleeding unresponsive to hormonal therapy or uterine evacuation. . .Whether the hemorrhage is from hormonal changes or from spontaneous causes is not known." Also, http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3419.htm - Endometriosis

From what I know about endometriosis, it seems that as with endometrial tissue, these cells respond to cyclic female hormonal changes and begin to break down as endometrial cells do during the normal mentrual cycle. The inflammation response is elicited in the local area where these cells reside which brings blood to the area. Whether bleeding occurs or not depends on the site where they are located. If they are at a site that is well endowed with blood vessels, bleeding is going to occur because the job of endometrial cells is to break down in preparation to be shed. If they have nowhere to go because they have been trapped at some ectopic site, they form cysts and/or develop bleeding if there is an adequate blood supply around them. That gives you the signs and symptoms that you will see. Adeomyomas are endometrial tissue specifically found in the muscular layer of the uterus but these cells continue to act like endometrial cells.

basketcase · Jul 9, 2008

I had a hysterectomy due to "possible" adenomyosis which was confirmed when it was biopsied. The monthly periods were extremely heavy. Adenomyosis was suspected but could not be confirmed until it was removed. Abation or hysterectomy were my options. I was miserable for a very long time. I was told the symptoms are very similar to endometriosis.