National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Adenomyosis

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Adenomyosis is a condition that affects the uterus. In women with adenomyosis, the endometrial tissue (which typically lines the uterus) moves into the outer, muscular walls of the uterus. Some women may have no signs or symptoms of the condition. When present, features of the condition include heavy menstrual bleeding, painful menstrual periods, and pelvic pain during intercourse. Some women may also develop an adenomyoma, which is a mass or growth within the uterus. The underlying cause of the condition is currently unknown. In general, treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person. Forms of birth control that contain progesterone (such as birth control pills or an IUD) may decrease heavy bleeding while certain medications can be used to manage pain. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 3/15/2017

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Adenomyosis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Mayo Clinic has an information page on Adenomyosis.
  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Adenomyosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Adenomyosis. MedlinePlus. May 2016; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001513.htm.
  2. Adenomyosis. Mayo Clinic. April 2015; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/basics/definition/con-20024740.
  3. Taran FA, Stewart EA, Brucker S. Adenomyosis: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Clinical Phenotype and Surgical and Interventional Alternatives to Hysterectomy. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. September 2013; 73(9):924-931.