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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

In some women, adenomyosis is "silent" — causing no signs or symptoms — or only mildly uncomfortable. But other women with adenomyosis may experience:

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Severe cramping or sharp, knife-like pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
  • Menstrual cramps that last throughout your period and worsen as you get older
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Passing blood clots during your period

Your uterus may increase to double or triple its normal size. Although you might not know if your uterus is enlarged, you may notice that your lower abdomen seems bigger or feels tender.

When to see a doctor
If you experience any signs or symptoms of adenomyosis, such as prolonged, heavy bleeding during your periods or severe cramping, to the extent that they interfere with regular activities, make an appointment to see your doctor.

References
  1. Stewart EA. Adenomyosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 8, 2010.
  2. Schuiling KD, et al. Benign gynecologic conditions. In: Schuiling KD, et al. Women's Gynecologic Health. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett; 2006:577.
  3. Drinville JS, et al. Benign disorders of the uterine corpus. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2389400. Accessed Jan. 8, 2010.
  4. Katz VL. Benign gynecologic lesions: Vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/178499985-2/0/1524/120.html?tocnode=53759294&fromURL=120.html. Accessed Jan. 12, 2010.
  5. Dysmenorrhea. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch244/ch244c.html#sec22-ch244-ch244c-211. Accessed Jan. 12, 2010.
  6. Meredith SM, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal sonography for the diagnosis of adenomyosis: Systematic review and metaanalysis. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;201:107.e1.
  7. Hesla JS, et al. Endometriosis. In: Rock JA, et al. Te Linde's Operative Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:438.
  8. Panganamamula UR, et al. Is prior uterine surgery a risk factor for adenomyosis? Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2004;104:1034.
DS00636 Feb. 20, 2010

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