The female body is regularly subjected to cyclical changes. So, one calendar month can be divided into several different periods. Recently, hormonal diseases (endometritis, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and so on) are increasingly common. Every year, one or another pathology affects millions of women around the world. In this article, the narrative about what adenomyosis and endometriosis is. What is the difference between these pathologies? You will learn the answer to this question later. It is also worth mentioning what treatment is prescribed for such an ailment as adenomyosis (the symptoms and causes of adenomyosis will also be described below), how it differs from the correction of endometriosis.
Hormonal diseases
Since the body of a woman is regularly subjected to a change in the hormonal background, sometimes failures occur. Most often this occurs after childbirth, abortion and diagnostic curettage. Hormones can also be naughty during menopause and before menopause.
The most common and insidious hormonal diseases are endometriosis and adenomyosis. The difference between them is significant. However, many women confuse these pathologies. It is worth noting that adenomyosis is sometimes called internal endometriosis. Let's try to figure out how similar and how the pathology data differ.
Endometriosis
What is the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis? This pathology arises as follows. Due to the high production of estrogens or androgens, the uterine mucosa grows to the peritoneum. The disease can also occur due to the fact that menstrual blood is thrown through the fallopian tubes into the adjacent space.
All this leads to the fact that the endometrium begins to function on the ovaries, uterus, intestines and other nearby organs. Undergoing cyclical changes, this substance can menstruate, like the internal cavity of the genital organ.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
There are several stages of the disease. Depending on the lesion and the location of the focus, a woman may have absolutely no complaints even at the very last stage of the disease. That is why pathology is considered very dangerous and insidious. So, with endometriosis, the signs are as follows:
- abdominal pain during menstruation and a few days before it;
- stool disorders (with intestinal damage);
- irregular cycle with breakthrough bleeding;
- long periods, which take a black tint at the end;
- prolonged inability to conceive a child.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis and endometriosis: what is the difference? Many doctors say that endometriosis can be internal. In this case, it is called "adenomyosis". The disease develops as follows. Due to the imbalance of estrogen and progesterone in the body, an excess of the first substances may be observed. As a result, the inner surface of the uterus grows abundantly. In the absence of timely and proper treatment, the endometrium is introduced into the muscle layer of the genital organ. Uterine endometriosis - adenomyosis. So many women think. In some ways they are right. However, each pathology has its own name and it will be more correct to use it.
Symptoms of adenomyosis
This pathology most often begins to manifest itself at the very early stages. In this case, the signs of the disease can be as follows:
- pain in the lower part of the peritoneum during and without menstruation;
- lack of pregnancy for a long time;
- spotting in the middle of the female cycle;
- prolonged menstruation and a short non-menstrual period.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis: the difference
What is the difference between these pathologies? As you already know, adenomyosis is the internal endometriosis of the uterus. Can this be said to be the same thing? More likely no than yes. If we are talking about ordinary (not internal) endometriosis, then how does it differ from the proliferation of the mucous membrane of the genital organ? Let's try to draw a parallel between pathologies and find out what is the difference between them.
Place of education
Endometriosis is a pathology that most often affects the fallopian tubes, the outer lining of the uterus, intestines and other organs.
Adenomyosis develops exclusively in the reproductive organ. Even after growing into the muscle layer of the uterus, the endometrium does not go beyond it.
Symptoms of the disease
If we compare adenomyosis and endometriosis, what is the difference between diseases? Judging by the symptoms, the differences will be as follows. Endometriosis develops gradually and may not let you know for a long time. Some women are diagnosed with the disease only at the last stage, when endometriomas (cysts) appear.
Adenomyosis most often makes itself felt immediately. Symptoms are manifested by long periods, painful sensations, and so on.
Diagnosis of the disease
Endometriosis cannot be diagnosed with 100% accuracy. The doctor can only suspect and suggest that you have a pathology. Even ultrasound can not reliably make a diagnosis. You can find out absolutely exactly about the presence of the disease after laparoscopy (diagnostic surgical intervention).
Adenomyosis in most cases can be diagnosed during ultrasound and hysteroscopy. Also, experienced gynecologists can make a diagnosis after examination on a gynecological chair.
Pathology treatment
Endometriosis is highly surgically corrected. During the operation, the doctor removes or cauterizes foci of the pathological endometrium. Conservative therapy can be effective only in the initial stages of the disease.
Adenomyosis is often treated with medication. In most cases, these are hormonal drugs that suppress the production of estrogen and androgen. Also, during treatment, progesterone is prescribed.
Effects
Endometriosis can cause irreparable damage to the health of the fairer sex. During menstrual-like internal bleeding, fluid thickening and adhesion formation occur. All this, if untreated, leads not only to infertility, but also to fusion of the abdominal organs.
Adenomyosis is also quite dangerous, but it does not affect the peritoneal organs, affecting only the muscle layer of the uterus.
What are the similarities between endometriosis and adenomyosis?
- Both diseases are hormonal. The main reason for their appearance is a high level of estrogen.
- Both pathologies can lead to infertility and disruption of the menstrual cycle.
- The treatment of the initial stages of the disease is quite effective with the help of potent hormonal drugs.
- Relapse can occur in both cases even after the disease has completely cured.
Summarizing
So, you now know what adenomyosis and endometriosis are (what is the difference between them). Remember that it is almost impossible to make a diagnosis on your own. As you can see, even doctors are not always able to accurately recognize the disease. If there is a suspicion of pathology, it is better to contact a specialist and undergo a diagnosis. Only in this case you can get a qualified and proper appointment and overcome the disease. Be always healthy!