HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Adenomyosis
Kōpū whakatupu pūtautau ā-uaua
Adenomyosis is a condition where the cells that make up the lining (endometrium) of your uterus start to grow in the uterus' muscle wall (myometrium). Your uterus is also called your womb.
This can cause several symptoms, including painful, heavy or irregular periods. Less commonly, adenomyosis can cause painful sex or painful bowel movements.
Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Often, if you have adenomyosis you can also have endometriosis. But they are different conditions. Endometriosis happens when the endometrium cells grow outside the uterus.
You may not need treatment for adenomyosis if it is not affecting your life. Your doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes. For example, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping active and quitting smoking. They could also suggest hormone therapy or possibly surgery
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Jean Hailes – Adenomyosis
This page explains what adenomyosis is, who is most likely to have it and how it is diagnosed and treated.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2025.
Review key: HIEND-30280
