What is adenomyosis? Symptoms, Treatment and Diagnosis
Today presenter Naga Munchetty admitted she is in constant pain and nearly passed out while presenting BBC Breakfast after having to excuse herself from the show to go to the toilet.
Speaking to the Independent, Ms Munchetty said she was diagnosed with adenomyosis eight months ago as she had never heard of the disease before.
“I went to the toilet thinking I was going to pass out but I threw up and then just came back,” said the 48-year-old.
Just this weekend, Ms Munchetty said her husband had to call an ambulance for her, in what was the first time they had called 999 in their lives.
“I was writhing and moaning and screaming in pain,” Ms Munchetty recalled. “Finally, I was able to fall asleep after about 45 minutes.
“Then it happened again in the middle of the night and we had to call an ambulance because I couldn’t be moved. And I just screamed.”
Although a uterus of child-bearing age affects up to one in ten people, many sufferers complain of the difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis, largely due to the lack of knowledge about adenomyosis.
But what is adenomyosis and what are the symptoms?
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition that causes the lining of the womb, called the endometrium, to dig into the muscular wall of the womb.
The condition shares some similarities with endometriosis, where this lining grows outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes or uterus.
Adenomyosis can affect the entire uterus or just part of the uterus, depending on its severity. It is not known what causes the condition.
Although adenomyosis is not a life-threatening condition, Ms. Munchetty describes the symptoms as debilitating.
Symptoms of adenomyosis
It’s possible to have adenomyosis and have no symptoms. However, symptoms that people may experience include:
- Heavy or even constant periods
- Severe menstrual pain
- feeling of pressure in the abdomen
- gas
Diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis
It is estimated that one in ten women suffers from adenomyosis, but the underdiagnosed condition can often go undetected by doctors for years.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, the first step is to seek advice from your GP.
They will likely perform a pelvic exam, examining the vulva, vagina, and cervix to determine the cause of the symptoms.
After this examination, you may be referred to a specialist who will carry out further examinations, such as an ultrasound scan or an MRI.
Depending on the symptoms and the exact nature of the condition, there are several options for treating adenomyosis:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve mild pain
- Treatment during your period to reduce menstrual blood loss
- Hormone therapy (such as birth control pills to control heavy or painful periods)
- Hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus in extreme cases
It is also worth noting that adenomyosis is also known to affect the mental health of those affected as it is difficult to obtain a diagnosis and effective treatment.
Ms Munchetty shared that she takes strong painkillers every day to manage the discomfort and that she avoids wearing light-colored clothing for fear of bleeding through her as her periods are so heavy.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/what-adenomyosis-condition-symptoms-treatment-b1082890.html What is adenomyosis? Symptoms, Treatment and Diagnosis
