Endometriosis and adenomyosis are two related but distinct gynaecological conditions that can cause significant pain and discomfort. Understanding the differences between these conditions is important for proper diagnosis and management. We spoke to Dr Ashwin Shetty, Consultant, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Urogynaecologist, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, who explained endometriosis and adenomyosis and how they differ from each other.
What Is Endometriosis?
“Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that resembles the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus that grows outside the organ. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other organs in the pelvis”, said Dr Shetty.
According to Cureus, endometriosis affects 10-15% of females of reproductive age and is present in 70% of women experiencing persistent pelvic pain.
“It can cause pain, especially during menstruation, as well as infertility and other symptoms. The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but factors, such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, and immune system issues may play a role”, added Dr Shetty.
Also Read: Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cyst: How To Distinguish Between The Symptoms?
What Is Adenomyosis?
“Adenomyosis, on the other hand, is a condition where the endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This can cause the uterus to become enlarged, and tender, and can result in heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe cramping, and pelvic pain”, said Dr Shetty.
Adenomyosis is also associated with infertility. The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it may be related to hormonal imbalances or inflammation.
According to StatPearls, risk factors for this condition include short menstrual cycles, increased body mass index, oral contraceptive pill use, and increased oestrogen exposure.
Difference Between Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
One key difference between the two conditions is the location of the abnormal tissue growth. “In endometriosis, the tissue grows outside the uterus, while in adenomyosis, it grows into the uterine wall. This difference can impact the symptoms experienced by individuals with each condition”, highlighted Dr Shetty.
According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, adenomyosis has a significantly lower age-specific incidence than endometriosis, peaking during the 46-50 age range.
However, because both disorders are oestrogen-dependent, they can only manifest when endometrial tissue can develop in response to elevated oestrogen levels, as stated in the StatPearls.
Also Read: From Painful Periods To Painful Sex: Expert Explains Adenomyosis And How To Deal With It
Diagnosing These Conditions
A 2017 study found that 42.3% of 300 women with adenomyosis between 2008 and 2016 also had endometriosis.
Diagnosing endometriosis and adenomyosis can be challenging, as both conditions can cause similar symptoms and may require a combination of medical history, physical exams, imaging tests, and in some cases, laparoscopic surgery for a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment Options
“Treatment options for both conditions aim to manage symptoms and may include pain medication, hormonal therapies, and in severe cases, surgery to remove the abnormal tissue or the uterus itself”, emphasised Dr Shetty. Individuals with symptoms of either condition should seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bottomline
Dr Shetty concluded, “While endometriosis and adenomyosis are related conditions that can cause similar symptoms, they differ in terms of the location of abnormal tissue growth. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of these conditions.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you face any health issues for necessary diagnosis and treatment.]