Gynaecology
Adenomyosis: Making Sense of Heavy, Painful Periods
Adenomyosis affects the muscular wall of the uterus. It can be one explanation for heavy, painful periods, but symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.
Adenomyosis affects the muscular wall of the uterus. It can be one explanation for heavy, painful periods, but symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.
Why the name matters
Adenomyosis involves tissue from the uterine lining growing into the muscle. Endometriosis involves similar tissue outside the uterus. These terms are not interchangeable. Some people with adenomyosis have few symptoms; others experience pelvic pain, pressure, bloating or painful sex.
An assessment is worthwhile when bleeding or pain is disrupting your routine. Severe pain that is worsening or not responding to your usual treatment needs prompt medical advice.
Make the consultation specific
Instead of reporting only that periods are “bad”, explain what has changed. Are you missing work, cancelling travel, waking at night or arranging your day around access to a toilet? These details help communicate the burden of symptoms.
Bring the full ultrasound report rather than a photograph of its conclusion alone. If you have previous scans, organise them by date. A report describes findings; a consultation connects those findings to symptoms and priorities.
Questions to take with you
- Does the scan support adenomyosis, or are other explanations still being considered?
- Is the immediate goal bleeding control, pain relief, fertility planning, or more than one of these?
- What would make the current plan successful, and when should it be reassessed?
- If a procedure is suggested, what are the alternatives?
Tell the clinician whether future pregnancy matters to you before comparing options. The same diagnosis does not mean every person needs the same treatment.
Further reading and care
For an individual assessment with Dr. Aishwarya Parulekar Pai, contact the clinic and confirm the appointment location before travelling.