Problemas de salud

Adenomyosis

Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026

Solo en inglés por ahora

Adenomyosis is when the lining of the womb grows into its muscle wall. It can cause heavy, painful periods, and there are treatments that help.

What adenomyosis is

In adenomyosis, tissue from the womb lining (endometrium) grows into the muscle layer of the womb (uterus). This can make the womb bigger, which can make the lower tummy feel sore or heavy. It is not the same as endometriosis, where tissue like the womb lining grows outside the womb. The cause is not clear. It is most often diagnosed in women over 30, and it is more likely if you are over 30 and have given birth. But it can affect anyone who has periods. Past surgery on the womb, such as a caesarean section, is also linked to it.

Symptoms

Some people have no symptoms, or only mild discomfort. When there are symptoms, the most common are heavy periods and painful periods. The pain can be severe enough to stop your usual activities. Some people also have pelvic pain that does not go away between periods, pain during sex, or a bloated, heavy or full feeling in the tummy. Very heavy bleeding can lower your iron and lead to anaemia (too few healthy red blood cells), which can make you tired and short of breath.

Getting a diagnosis

If you have symptoms, a doctor will ask about your periods and may examine you. An ultrasound scan or an MRI scan can help show adenomyosis. Logging your bleeding and cramps in Ciclo for a few cycles can help you show a doctor how heavy and painful your periods are.

Treatments that can help

Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) can ease pain, and a medicine called tranexamic acid can reduce heavy bleeding. Hormonal treatments can also help. These include the hormonal IUD (coil), the progestogen-only pill, the combined pill and the contraceptive patch. Surgery is another option. This can mean removing the lining of the womb (endometrial ablation) or removing the womb itself (hysterectomy). After a hysterectomy you cannot get pregnant. Ablation is not advised if you want a pregnancy in the future, and you still need contraception after it. Talk with your doctor about your plans first. Symptoms often go away after menopause.

When to see a doctor or nurse

See a doctor or nurse if your periods are heavy or long, or if period pain gets in the way of daily life. Also get checked if you have pelvic pain between periods, pain during sex, bleeding between periods or after sex, or bloating that lasts about 3 weeks. Get an urgent appointment if your pain is severe or worse than usual and painkillers have not helped. Get emergency help if you have very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, or sudden, severe pelvic pain.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If your periods are very heavy or painful, talk to a doctor or nurse.