Adenomyosis is a condition where the innermost lining of the uterus, called endometrium, grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, known as myometrium. This ectopic growth increases the uterine size and may result in heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged menstrual periods and cause severe menstrual cramps and chronic pelvic pain. Women with adenomyosis can also have some discomfort during coitus and can feel pressure or bloating in the pelvis. The cause of adenomyosis is not well understood; however, it has a tendency to occur more commonly among middle-aged, parous women.
Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia) : This uterine disease usually causes heavy bleeding and for a longer time than that of normal periods. The endometrial tissue interferes with the normal functioning of the uterine walls due to muscular growth. There are more and weaker blood vessels in the uterus walls, hence increased blood loss. Women may notice they are soaking through pads or tampons more quickly or passing large blood clots.
Severe Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea) : The pain resulting from adenomyosis is usually more acute than that occurring with typical menses because the endometrial tissue invades the muscular layer of the uterus, similar to normal endometrial tissue. Thus, during menses, the uterine muscles contract more forcefully to expel blood, thereby causing heavy cramping pain. Such pain often radiates to the lower back, hips, and thighs.
Chronic Pelvic Pain : In addition to cramping pains during menstruation due to adenomyosis, women with adenomyosis may also have chronic pelvic pains. Since the uterus is constantly inflamed, it may cause pelvic pains to not be limited to menstruation alone but all month long. This might feel like a dull ache or ache as if there is pressure inside the pelvis, and it could affect her daily activities, such as walking, sitting for long periods, or exercising.
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) : Enlargement and thickening of the uterus may also lead to painful sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse or intercourse afterwards may cause pain deep into the body, more if the uterus is tender. The tissues inside the muscle of the uterus are inflamed and tender, and with penetration, especially in deeper positions, sharp or cramping sensations may be experienced.
Enlarged or Tender Uterus : In adenomyosis, the uterus is frequently much enlarged, sometimes even double or triple in size. It can sometimes create a feeling of bloating in the lower abdomen, which is sort of like an early pregnancy. An enlarged uterine body may also be tender upon palpation, and a pelvic exam might reveal an abnormal shape or size of the uterus. For some women, the enlarged uterus may even create the appearance or sensation of pregnancy due to bloating.
Ayurvedic treatment for Adenomyosis involves herbal formulations, diet and lifestyle modifications, detoxifying therapies, yoga asanas, and relaxation programs.
Ayurvedic herbs are essential in the treatment of adenomyosis since they balance doshas and nourish the uterus. Ashoka, in particular, helps reduce heavy flow and pain due to its action of strengthening the uterus. Shatavari, as a rejuvenating herb, is used to prevent hormonal disturbances and the menstrual cycle from becoming painful. Turmeric, Curcuma longa, is an anti-inflammatory that alleviates both inflammation and pain inside the uterus. Aloe Vera regulates flows and heals other parts of the reproductive system. Lodhra reduces excessive bleed and helps keep uterine health intact. Triphala cleanses the body, which means allowing the toxins to leave the body, worsening the adenomyosis.
In the management of adenomyosis, a well-balanced diet is also of utmost importance. Ayurveda advises a Pitta-pacifying diet, as inflammation has to be brought down; hence, hot, spicy, and acidic foods should be avoided because they would increase bleeding and pain. The best diet to cool down is from green leafy vegetables, cucumber, and melons. To pacify Vata, a Vata-pacifying diet is applied, comprising warm, cooked foods, such as soups and stews. Warm herbal teas and spices like ginger, cumin, and cinnamon also promote digestion and get rid of spasms and distension produced by Vata. If possible, eat regularly and hydrate properly.
Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detox therapy that cleanses the body and balances dosha. Virechana or purgation removes excess Pitta, eliminating inflammation and promoting uterine health. Basti with medicated enema balances Vata dosha alleviates pelvic pain, and haemorrhaging and menstrual irregularities. Abhyanga with herbal oils applied by steam treatment improves the circulation of blood, reduces muscle tension, and alleviates pain in the pelvic region.
Gentle yoga combined with regulated breathing exercises may be useful to maintain adenomyosis. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) and Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) are of particular benefit to stretching and calming the muscular walls of the pelvis, improving circulatory flow, and even helping alleviate pain. Pranayama practices like Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) induce serenity, calm one's mind, and also support in pacifying Vata and Pitta doshas, which in turn lowers the stress-inducing conditions aggravating the symptoms of adenomyosis.
Ayurvedic philosophy centres on a daily routine for sleep, eating, and exercise that usually balances the doshas, with particular emphasis on Vata dosha. Stress is also a particular challenge because both Vata and Pitta dosha doshas become imbalanced through stress or tension and aggravate pain and bleeding. Practices such as meditation, breath control, and sleep help calm the mind and emotions. In addition, avoidance of overexertion, keeping warm to counteract Vata dosha, and reducing exposure to cold situations would avoid relapse of symptoms and promote health in the uterus.
Jiva Ayurveda has personalised and holistic treatments for those seeking an Ayurvedic approach to treating adenomyosis. The expert Ayurvedic doctors at the centre approach individualised treatment based on the unique body constitution of their patients, working back towards re-establishing the balance of the doshas, which gives relief from symptoms and regains reproductive health. Choose Jiva Ayurveda and reap the benefits of an all-encompassing approach by assimilating time-honoured Ayurvedic wisdom with that of modern practice for good healthcare to help you towards the path to a healthier and pain-free life.
The management of adenomyosis through diet and exercise is crucial to decrease its symptoms and return to a better health condition. A well-balanced diet reduces inflammation and hormonal imbalance, while exercise gives optimal circulation and relief from stress and pain management.
In Ayurveda, diet plays an integral part in the management of adenomyosis through it pacifying the doshas, especially Pitta and Vata, that are enhanced in this condition.
Regular moderate exercise helps in several ways. It improves circulation and, therefore, reduces the symptoms. It also reduces pain caused by this condition and reorganises hormone levels. Stress-management exercises such as yoga can better help manage stress, which can also provoke or exacerbate symptoms of adenomyosis.
Avoid High-Intensity Workouts: Heavy lifting, high-impact sports, etc., would increase pressure in the abdomen and intensify pelvic pain.
Fibroid is that non-cancerous growth inside the muscular wall of the uterus. On the other hand, Adenomyosis is the condition in which endometrial tissue - the lining of the uterus - proliferates into the uterine muscle. In this condition, the size of the uterus increases, and it becomes tender, as against fibroids, which grow in places as definite, hard masses. Fibroids and adenomyosis bring about significant heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. However, adenomyosis is diffuse in nature, while the growth due to fibroids is localised.
The cause is not known but is suspected to be hormonal; that is, it can be associated with estrogen levels and hormonal changes. Other people claim that uterine trauma, such as childbirth or surgeries, could bring endometrial cells into the uterine muscle. Others attribute genetic and inflammatory causes.
Although adenomyosis is not life-threatening, it can be the most crippling to a woman's quality of life. The disease can cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual flow, and all the implications that accompany anaemia and lethargy. In severe cases, the disease may have to be operated on.
Hormonal treatment for adenomyosis may be either the regulation or reduction of estrogen levels to possibly enable symptom relief. Some of these may include birth control pills, progesterone therapy, GnRH agonists, and intrauterine devices like Mirena. It will reduce massive bleeding, pain, and inflammation but won't treat the disease.
The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) administers small amounts of the hormone progesterone directly to the uterus, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and often to lighten up heavy bleeding. For women who have adenomyosis, Mirena may greatly reduce the pain and heavy menstrual flow. It is one of the most in-demand non-surgical treatments used to alleviate the symptoms.
Uterine adenomyosis radiology usually requires the application of imaging methods such as USG and MRI. Adenomyosis on ultrasound creates a thickened heterogeneous myometrium or the uterine muscle. On more detailed imaging, MRI can reveal invaded endometrial tissue into the muscle layer. These diagnostics may aid in the differentiation between adenomyosis and fibroids.
The approach for an adenomyosis diet is primarily focused on anti-inflammatory aspects as well as hormone regulation. Such foods include omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseeds, fibre found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and spices that have anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric and ginger. Some reports found that an adenomyosis diet that reduces processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol may also relieve the condition.
Yes, in some women, adenomyosis can cause pain that is constantly present. Again, it is not just with menstruation. Some women experience chronic pelvic pain that may be described as a constant aching pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen. Such pain results from inflammation and thickening of the uterine muscle rather than from inflammation or thickening of the uterine muscle itself.