Adenomyosis or endometriosis? Know how to identify the symptoms correctly

Adenomyosis and endometriosis are two conditions that affect women’s health. It is common for them to be confused, as the symptoms can be similar. Both involve the growth of endometrial tissue outside of its usual location in the uterus and can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramping, pelvic pain and pain during sex. Furthermore, both can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other gynecological conditions.

What few people know is that, in some cases, adenomyosis and endometriosis can occur together. When this happens, treatment can be even more challenging than it already is separately. However, some differences between the two help to distinguish them.

The doctor Patrick Bellelis, collaborator of the endometriosis sector of the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo, explains that the main difference is the location of the abnormal growth of the tissue that lines the uterus. “Adenomyosis is an infiltration of the endometrium, which is the inner layer of the uterus, into the myometrium, the muscle layer of the organ. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or elsewhere in the body, particularly in the pelvic area.”

According to him, some characteristics of people diagnosed with each disease also differ. The main one is that they tend to affect women at different stages of their reproductive lives. Adenomyosis is more common in women over 30 years old, who have had children, multiple pregnancies or uterine surgeries, while endometriosis can appear in different age groups.

Although the symptoms of the two pathologies are similar, there are some differences in the way they manifest themselves. Adenomyosis causes heavier and longer menstrual bleeding most of the time, while endometriosis can more commonly cause pain during sex, painful bowel movements, and in some cases, infertility.

Adenomyosis is detected using imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, and a biopsy of uterine tissue may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. On the other hand, endometriosis can be diagnosed through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the doctor to view tissue from outside the uterus.

The use of contraceptives can be effective in controlling the symptoms of both conditions, however, adenomyosis may require more severe treatments such as uterine artery embolization or, in more severe cases, hysterectomy. In the case of endometriosis, surgery to remove endometrial tissue may be recommended.

Bellelis emphasizes the importance of a professional evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment. “Although adenomyosis and endometriosis have some similarities in terms of symptoms and causes, there are important differences, which require proper diagnosis and treatment. In case of any symptoms of one of the conditions, it is important to consult a doctor to get an accurate answer and to discuss treatment options, ”she concludes.

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