Adenomyosis

About Adenomyosis

Your uterus is lined by layer of tissue called the endometrium that is shed during menstruation. In adenomyosis, this tissue begins to grow past the uterine wall, into the underlying muscle layer known as the myometrium. As a result, menstrual bleeding may be more heavy and/or painful.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

The intensity of your symptoms may vary, and some people with adenomyosis do not experience any symptoms.

Symptoms of adenomyosis may include:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Serious menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)

Risk Factors for Adenomyosis

While the cause of adenomyosis is unknown, certain risk factors have been linked to higher incidence of the condition.

Risk factors for adenomyosis may include:

• Health history: Adenomyosis is associated with a history of uterine surgery or of increased estrogen exposure, which can result from the use of oral contraceptives or tamoxifen, a high body mass index, or early onset of menstruation or short menstrual cycles.

Treating Adenomyosis at UT Health Austin

The symptoms of adenomyosis can often be managed using hormonal therapy or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary. Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery can reduce the pain and recovery time associated with your procedure. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment.

Care Team Approach

Patients are cared for by a dedicated multidisciplinary care team, meaning you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained gynecologists have extensive experience in performing minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and work alongside a team of women’s health experts, including nurses, advanced practice providers, dietitians, social workers, and more, providing unparalleled care for patients every step of the way.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to offer a safer and more effective alternative to traditional open surgery by avoiding a large abdominal incision. With minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, patients experience smaller incisions, less pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, reduced scar tissues, increased surgical accuracy, and less risk of infection or other complications.

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