Adenomyosis (ad-uh-no-my-O-sis) is a condition that affects the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. When someone has adenomyosis, the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. This tissue is called endometrial tissue.
During a menstrual cycle, endometrial tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds. Endometrial tissue that’s present in the uterus wall also thickens, breaks down and bleeds. This can make the uterus get bigger. The condition can be painful, and periods can be heavy.
Experts aren’t sure what causes adenomyosis, but symptoms often go away after menopause. Hormonal treatments can help with pain and heavy bleeding. Surgery to remove the uterus, called hysterectomy, can cure adenomyosis.
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