Painful Menstrual Cycles? Endometriosis Or Adenomyosis Could Be The Cause

Many women complain of bloating, fatigue, cramping, and mild headaches associated with their monthly menstrual cycles. These symptoms are generally treatable with over-the-counter medications or natural and herbal remedies. However, if you experience ongoing extreme pelvic pain and heavy bleeding, it is imperative that you visit your physician as these ailments are far from normal.

At first thought, you may have a more serious condition called endometriosis. According to Web MD, endometriosis is a condition where "the implants of tissue outside your uterus act just like the tissue lining your uterus. During your menstrual cycle, they get thicker, then break down and bleed. But the implants are outside your uterus, so the blood cannot flow out of your body. The implants can get irritated and painful. Sometimes they form scar tissue or fluid-filled sacs (cysts). Scar tissue may make it hard to get pregnant."

While doctors have had success diagnosing endometriosis using laparoscopy or an endometrial biopsy, a related condition called adenomyosis is much more difficult to detect and could be the cause of your suffering. Often, it isn't diagnosed until after a hysterectomy is performed. In an article published in Self Magazine, Kristin Brandi, M.D. explains what adenomyosis is: "Adenomyosis happens when that endometrial tissue travels from inside the uterus and grows into the muscle of it."  

The two conditions have similar symptoms as adenomyosis causes chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and pain with periods, pain with intercourse, and bleeding between cycles. Other less frequently occurring symptoms include painful urination and/or bowel movements. Over time, some women may experience issues with fertility.

While experts are not sure what causes adenomyosis (or endometriosis for that matter), they have found it more likely to occur in women who are aged 40+ and have given birth to at least one child. It could result from inflamed uterine tissue post-childbirth. It is also possible that the cells were present while the woman was still a developing fetus. There is a correlation between estrogen production levels and adenomyosis as the condition lessens and even goes away with menopause.

 If symptoms are bearable, are variety of treatment methods can make the condition manageable. For pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Advil, and Aleve are said to bring some relief. To treat heavy bleeding and sharp cramps, some women use hormonal birth control like the combination pill and the NuvaRing which contain both estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone). 

Others report that progestin-only birth control like Depo Provera, hormonal IUDs, and the minipill have been effective. A higher-risk and considered more controversial approach has been the use of Lupron injections. Lupron causes the ovaries to shut down altogether to stop estrogen production. Undergoing a hysterectomy is generally offered as a last resort.

While all of this might be a bit overwhelming, the sooner you get checked out, the sooner you will get on the road to recovery. It is better to know what you are dealing with than to suffer in the dark. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your physician before you decide on a treatment plan. You will be glad that you did.