About Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a benign (non-cancerous) disease of the uterus. It occurs due to the migration of glandular endometrial tissue into the muscle layer.

Normally, glandular endometrial tissue lines the cavity of the uterus. This layer thickens during each menstrual cycle and is shed at the end of the cycle. Shedding of the endometrial layer, together with bleeding, produces menses every month. But the embedding of endometrial glandular tissue into the muscle layer can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and period pain.

Adenomyosis Diagnosis

Typical adenomyosis symptoms are heavy and painful menstrual periods, premenstrual bloating or pain, painful intercourse, or chronic pelvic pain. When examined by a doctor, the uterus maybe enlarged and tender to touch.

As these clinical features are rather non-specific, accurate diagnosis of adenomyosis may be difficult. Ultrasound findings are generally quite subtle and adenomyosis may be missed or mistaken for fibroids. MRI is more definitive in diagnosing adenomyosis symptoms than ultrasound – especially when fibroids are also present. There is no specific blood test available for adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis Treatments

If you’re experiencing adenomyosis symptoms, you, your GP and your gynaecologist may have already tried or considered simple measures.

If these treatments have failed to relieve symptoms, your physician may suggest a hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus).

However, there is a safe, effective and minimally invasive alternative for those seeking to avoid major surgery: uterine artery embolisation – also known as UAE.

Hysterectomy is no longer the ONLY cure for adenomyosis. Check out UAE.

  • Medical Therapy



    Medical therapy includes tranexamic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), combined birth control pills, progesterone agents, and gonadotropic-releasing hormone agonists.

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  • Mirena IUD

    Mirena is an Intrauterine Device (IUD).  It is a T-shaped plastic device that slowly releases the sex hormone progesterone over five years. It can be used to control adenomyosis symptoms.

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  • Uterine Artery Embolisation

    Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is minimally invasive and non-surgical. UAE can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, relieve period pain, and improve women’s quality of life. Studies has shown that UAE is a safe and effective non-surgical alternative to a hysterectomy.

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  • Endometrial Ablation

    Endometrial ablation uses heat energy to surgically destroy the inner lining of the uterus.

 Adenomyosis tissue is sealed off and trapped within the myometrium but remains active. Period pain can be worse after endometrial ablation for adenomyosis.

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  • Hysterectomy

    Traditionally, when conservative treatments fail or are deemed unsuitable, a hysterectomy is offered.

 However there are now effective non-surgical treatments for adenomyosis, like medical therapy, Mirena IUD and uterine artery embolisation (UAE).

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Do I Need Treatment?

If adenomyosis symptoms are impacting your quality of life, you may need to seek treatment.

If you’re troubled by symptoms of adenomyosis and simple measures have not been effective, UAE could be a viable treatment for you; especially if you wish to preserve your uterus, avoid major surgery and recover quickly.

If you’re unsure and would like a specialist opinion, contact your GP or book a consultation with Dr Liang.