Adenomyosis is a condition where there are endometrial gland deposits localised within the uterus. Just as with endometriosis these areas become progressively scarred, resulting eventually in a uterus which is extremely painful around the time of each menstrual cycle.
These deposits cannot be readily suppressed and as is the case with endometriosis, there can be modest relief with the oral contraceptive pill.
In most cases, a low dose progesterone IUD is useful in suppressing these deposits and helping with associated uterine pain. As these glandular nodules are located within the wall of the uterine muscle, they cannot easily or safely be excised. So the ultimate treatment of adenomyosis is a hysterectomy procedure (usually with ovaries preserved, as hormones will not change).
More information on total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is available in the surgery section.
