Pelvic pain, cramping and heavy periods are all common signs of adenomyosis – but why do so few women with the condition actually get that diagnosis? Unfortunately, the lack of awareness of the disease – and its prevalence – is a global scourge leaving millions of women in chronic pain. Let's lift the veil on this stealthy condition and the dangers of the many misunderstandings around women’s health.

Adenomyosis is a gynaecological condition that affects millions of women worldwide, yet it often remains underrecognised and misunderstood – with misdiagnoses with IBS, endometriosis and fibromyalgia all too common, not to mention those who don’t get a diagnosis at all. Characterised by the presence of endometrial-like tissue within the muscular wall of the uterus, adenomyosis can cause debilitating symptoms and significantly impact women's quality of life. But before we dive into the problems that arise from late diagnoses and medical gaslighting, let’s unpack the common signs of the condition:

Pelvic Pain: Persistent or intermittent pelvic pain, often described as dull, aching, or cramping, is a hallmark symptom of adenomyosis. The pain may worsen during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) or intercourse (dyspareunia) and may radiate to the lower back or thighs.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Adenomyosis can cause excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), leading to the passage of large blood clots or the need to change sanitary products frequently. Women with adenomyosis may also experience irregular menstrual cycles or bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia).

Menstrual Cramps: Severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are common in adenomyosis and may be more intense than typical menstrual cramps. The cramping may start before menstruation and persist throughout the menstrual period, interfering with daily activities and quality of life.

Enlarged Uterus: Adenomyosis can cause the uterus to become enlarged, firm, and tender to the touch. Women with adenomyosis may notice an increase in abdominal bloating or a sensation of fullness in the lower abdomen. In some cases, the uterus may become asymmetrical or irregularly shaped.

Infertility or Pregnancy Complications: Adenomyosis has been associated with infertility and pregnancy complications, although the exact relationship is not fully understood. Women with adenomyosis may have difficulty conceiving due to changes in uterine structure or function, and adenomyosis may increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or other pregnancy complications.

Now let’s explore five ways in which the lack of awareness hurts women with adenomyosis and discuss the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of this often-overlooked condition. 

Delayed Diagnosis

One of the most significant consequences of the lack of awareness surrounding adenomyosis is delayed diagnosis. Many women with adenomyosis experience symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and menstrual irregularities for years before receiving a proper diagnosis. The lack of awareness among both healthcare providers and the general public means that symptoms may be dismissed or attributed to other conditions, leading to prolonged suffering and frustration for affected individuals. 

Misdiagnosis and Underdiagnosis

In addition to delayed diagnosis, the lack of awareness contributes to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of adenomyosis. The symptoms of adenomyosis overlap with those of other gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Without proper awareness and understanding of adenomyosis, healthcare providers may overlook the condition or misinterpret imaging findings, leading to inappropriate treatment or unnecessary interventions.

Limited Treatment Options

Another consequence of the lack of awareness is limited treatment options for women with adenomyosis. Many healthcare providers are unfamiliar with the condition or may not be aware of the latest evidence-based treatments. As a result, women with adenomyosis may not receive access to the full range of treatment options available, including hormonal therapies, minimally invasive procedures, and uterine-sparing surgeries. This can have a profound impact on the management of symptoms and overall quality of life for affected individuals. 

Impact on Mental Health

Living with adenomyosis can take a significant toll on women's mental health and well-being, yet the lack of awareness surrounding the condition exacerbates this impact. Women with adenomyosis may feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported due to the invisibility of their condition and the lack of public discourse surrounding it. The stigma and silence surrounding menstrual health issues further compound feelings of shame and embarrassment, contributing to anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life.

• Emotional Distress: Living with chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and other symptoms of adenomyosis can take a toll on mental health, leading to emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, frustration, and irritability. Coping with the unpredictable nature of symptoms and the impact on daily life can contribute to feelings of helplessness and overwhelm.
• Stigma and Shame: Adenomyosis, like many other reproductive health conditions, is often surrounded by stigma and shame due to societal taboos surrounding menstruation and women's health. Women with adenomyosis may feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss their symptoms openly, leading to isolation and reluctance to seek help or support.
• Impaired Quality of Life: The symptoms of adenomyosis can significantly impair quality of life, affecting various aspects such as physical health, relationships, work, and social activities. Persistent pain, fatigue, and other symptoms may limit one's ability to engage in daily activities, fulfill responsibilities, or participate in hobbies and interests, leading to feelings of frustration, isolation, and diminished self-worth.

Advocacy and Support

Finally, the lack of awareness hinders advocacy efforts and support networks for women with adenomyosis. Without visibility and recognition of the condition, affected individuals may struggle to find accurate information, resources, and community support. Increased awareness and understanding of adenomyosis are essential for empowering women to advocate for their own health, access appropriate care, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Discovering a healthier, happier you has never been easier with the IQS 8-Week Program app. How does it work, you ask? Let's break it down. Personalised programs tailored to your health goals await at your fingertips after your answer a short quiz, and voila – you're matched with the ideal program crafted by the top experts in diet and nutrition.

But that's not all. Need extra support? Say hello to 1-on-1 health coaching. Our dedicated team is here to guide, motivate, and arm you with the tools you need to succeed, every step of the way.

Plus, with personalised meal planning and instant grocery lists, mealtime stress becomes a thing of the past. Easily track macros and calories with a single click, and dive into a treasure trove of delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every meal of the day. But perhaps the best part? You're never alone on your journey. Join our amazing community for unwavering support, hundreds of hours of instructional videos, and stay on track with supportive emails, notifications, and easy-to-do tasks. With the IQS 8-Week Program app, achieving your health goals has never been more achievable – or enjoyable. 

Your wellness journey starts here – and we couldn't be more excited to embark on it with you. Sounds good, right? Register your interest here; the all-new app is launching soon.

 PRESALE HAS STARTED!