Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition affecting the uterus, where the inner lining tissue grows into the muscular wall. This causes the uterus to become enlarged and can lead to symptoms like heavy or painful periods. The condition mainly impacts the reproductive system and can affect a woman's quality of life due to chronic pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. It often occurs in women during their middle reproductive years. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is related to changes in the uterine tissue. Diagnosis usually involves imaging tests, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms.

Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, leading to a diffusely enlarged uterus. It is thought to result from the invagination of the endometrial basalis layer into the myometrium or from de novo metaplasia of embryonic Müllerian remnants. This ectopic endometrial tissue responds to hormonal cycles, causing myometrial hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Clinically, it presents with dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and a tender, enlarged uterus. It is often associated with other uterine pathologies such as endometriosis and leiomyomas. Histopathology remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but imaging modalities are commonly used for clinical assessment.