Adenomyosis is a condition in which the inner uterine lining (the endometrium) breaks through and starts to grow on the uterine muscle and the uterine wall (the myometrium). This can cause painful and heavy menstrual period. In some cases, it can also lead to fertility problems.

Although the symptoms and causes of adenomyosis overlap with endometriosis; there is difference in the location of the abnormal growth of the uterine endometrium. In some cases (usually advanced stage), both endometriosis and adenomyosis can be diagnosed in a patient.

If you are struggling with adenomyosis, you are not alone. This condition can be debilitating and cause a great deal of pain. Thankfully, there are effective natural treatments available that can help you find relief. Ayurvedic treatment for adenomyosis involves a holistic approach to establish hormone balance, support fertility, and natural measures to relieve severe pain.

In this post we will go through the stages, symptoms, causes and Ayurvedic natural treatment for relief from adenomyosis.

Stages of Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis can cause the uterus to become enlarged and can lead to pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation. The four stages of adenomyosis are:

1. Mild adenomyosis

This is when small areas of endometrium have broken through the uterine wall. There may be no symptoms at this stage.

2. Moderate adenomyosis

This is when larger areas of endometrium have broken through the uterine wall (focal adenomyosis). In this case, the growth of adenomyomas is not so wide across the uterine cavity. Symptoms may include pain during menstruation and sex, heavy bleeding, and fatigue.

3. Severe adenomyosis

This is when endometrium has broken through the uterine muscle in many areas (diffuse adenomyosis). Symptoms may include very severe pain during menstruation and sex, a sense of tightness and chronic pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, and fatigue.

4. Advanced adenomyosis

This is when endometrium has completely replaced the uterine muscle. Symptoms may include severe pain in the pelvic region, lower back and renal area, heavy bleeding, and infertility.

Adenomyosis can be a chronic condition that can last for years. There is no cure, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. If you think you may have adenomyosis, talk to your doctor.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a medical condition that can cause severe pelvic pain and cramping. In the early stages of adenomyosis, one may not experience any symptoms and hence the condition can get unnoticed till it advances to higher severity level.

The symptoms of adenomyosis can vary from woman to woman, but the most common symptom is pelvic pain. Other symptoms and co-existing health conditions may include:

• Enlarged uterus due to the growth of uterine or endometrial fibroid and adenomyosis
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding involving dark, brownish red colored and clotted menstrual flow
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and Severe menstrual cramps that start 2-3 days before period and subside once regular flow is established
• Pain during intercourse
• Pressure or bloating in the abdomen
• Frequent urination and pain during micturition
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dysmenorrhea: Muscle cramps in the thighs and legs
• Pain in the pelvic area, lower abdomen and lower back
• Anemia, fatigue and dizziness due to heavy periods
• Fertility problems, difficulty in conceiving, Infertility in extreme cases
• Irregular Periods
• Frequent urinary tract infection
• Risky pregnancy, premature delivery or premature shedding of the endometrium
• Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids present secondary to adenomyosis
• Endometrial polyps

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so they can diagnose the condition and provide treatment.

Causes of Bulky Uterus and Adenomyosis

There are many reasons why women experience adenomyosis and bulky uterus.

• Imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone: This can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken, which can lead to adenomyosis.
• Uterine fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. They can cause the uterus to become enlarged and can lead to adenomyosis.
• Endometriosis: This is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This can lead to adenomyosis.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is an infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to adenomyosis.
• Previous uterine surgery: Surgery on the uterus, such as a C-section, hysterectomy, or D&C (dilation and curettage), can cause adhesions and scarring. This scarring can lead to adenomyosis.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs): IUDs can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken, which can lead to adenomyosis.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause the uterus to stretch and grow, which can lead to adenomyosis.
• Use of certain medications: Medications that can cause hormonal changes, such as birth control pills, can lead to adenomyosis.
• Autoimmune conditions combined with uterine injuries can also increase the risk of abnormal growths in the uterus.
• Surgical termination of the pregnancy leading to injuries of the uterus.

Adenomyosis is often diagnosed during a woman’s childbearing years. It usually goes away after menopause. If you have adenomyosis, you’re at higher risk for uterine cancer. But this is rare.

Adenomyosis Treatment Options in Modern Medicine

There is no cure for adenomyosis, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. These include:

– Hormonal therapy: This can help to reduce the amount of bleeding and pain.

– Pain medication: This can help to relieve pain and cramping.

– Surgery: This is typically only recommended if other treatments have not been effective. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the condition.

However, these treatment options for Adenomyosis have several side effects. Often, the cysts and knots reappear only few months after the treatment.

Adenomyosis in Ayurveda

Adenomyosis is a tridoshic imbalance in Ayurveda, involving vata dosha, pitta dosha and kapha dosha. This leads to poor digestive fire “agnimandya” and hence build up of “Ama” undigested food particles in the form of toxins in the body.

Dosha imbalance leads to imbalance in the hormones (estrogen dominance), poor circulation, excess growth or abnormal growth in the form of endometrial cysts across the uterus.

Ayurveda treatment offers a natural holistic approach for a complex health condition such as uterine adenomyosis. Ayurvedic treatment for Adenomyosis helps in treating the condition of bulky uterus, pain and heavy bleeding by strengthening the reproductive system and improving the local cellular immunity.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Treatment of Adenomyosis

The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to restore balance in the body and mind, thereby preventing disease. Ayurvedic herbs can help to detox, promote hormonal balance, boost fertility, check heavy bleeding, menstrual pain and improve the quality of life.

Here are the Ayurvedic herbal medicine that can effectively treat adenomyosis at the root cause level. These herbal medicine can be taken in the form of capsules, tinctures, or decoction.

1. Ashoka: Ashoka is a flowering plant that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and uterine-strengthening properties.

2. Lodhra: Lodhra is an astringent herb that helps to tone and tighten the tissues of the uterus. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.

3. Manjistha: Manjistha is an Ayurvedic blood purifier that helps to cleanse the blood and improve circulation. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and uterine-strengthening properties.

4. Shatavari: Shatavari is a well-known Ayurvedic herb for women’s health. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and uterine-strengthening properties.

5. Vidarikand: Vidarikand is an Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of adenomyosis. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and uterine-strengthening properties.

6. Guggulu: It is an Ayurvedic herb that helps to reduce inflammation and pain. It is also known for its anti-spasmodic and uterine-strengthening properties.

Speak to your Ayurvedic practitioner about the best way to use these herbs for the treatment of adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis Diet and Best Foods

A balanced and healthy diet is essential for maintaining a healthy body and preventing various diseases. It is especially important for women suffering from adenomyosis, as a healthy diet can help to reduce the symptoms and pain associated with this condition.

• Follow a pitta pacifying diet. Some of the foods that are particularly beneficial for adenomyosis patients are leafy greens, ginger, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids. These foods help to reduce inflammation and pain, balance pitta dosha and can also promote hormone balance.
• Adequate hydration is also important, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Avoiding trigger foods, such as caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, can also help to reduce symptoms.
• Remove fried, hot, sour and spicy foods from your diet as it leads to inflammation and imbalance in Pitta dosha.
• Prefer smaller meals during the day and do not hold hunger. Always take timely meals at fixed time everyday. This helps to balance Vata dosha and Pitta dosha.
• Eat freshly prepared healthy meals at the right times. This helps to prevent digestive discomforts and pain in the abdominal region due to vata imbalance.
• Take a lot of fruits and vegetables, and a lot of high-fiber foods too. It will help to flush out excess estrogen (hormones) from the body.
• Improve your fertility and regulate your menstrual cycle with foods as ghee, nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, flax seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, buttermilk, avocado, beets, lentils.

Lifestyle for Treatment of Adenomyosis

Ayurvedic treatment for Adenomyosis focuses on correcting the hormonal imbalance, detoxification, restoring regular menstrual cycle and fertility in women. There are several lifestyle changes that can be made to treat adenomyosis and manage its symptoms.

1. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
2. Exercise regularly to improve circulation and reduce stress.
3. Practice yoga or meditation to relax the mind and body.
4. Make sure to get enough rest and sleep.
5. Reduce stress by simplifying your life and setting aside time for yourself. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

Yoga for Adenomyosis

Practicing yoga is an effective treatment for adenomyosis. Yoga helps to improve the circulation of blood and lymph in the body, which helps to reduce the inflammation associated with adenomyosis. Yoga also helps to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tissues around the uterus, which can help to reduce the pain associated with adenomyosis.

There are many yoga poses that can help in the treatment of this condition. The most effective ones are the following:

1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This pose helps in stretching the muscles of the lower back and strengthens the spine. It also helps in improving the circulation of blood and lymph to the pelvic organs.

2. Matsyasana (Fish Pose): This pose helps in stretching the muscles of the chest and neck. It also helps in improving the circulation of blood and lymph in the thoracic region.

3. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): This pose helps in stretching the muscles of the back and hamstrings. It also helps in improving the circulation of blood and lymph in the lower body.

4. Halasana (Plough Pose): This pose helps in stretching the muscles of the back, neck, and shoulders. It also helps in improving the circulation of blood and lymph in the upper body.

5. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): This pose helps in stretching the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back. It also helps in improving the circulation of blood and lymph in the entire body.

6. Matsyendra asana (Spinal Twist): This pose helps in stretching the muscles of the back and spine. It also helps in improving the circulation of blood and lymph in the pelvic region.

7. Pranayama: It involves rhythmic breathing and breathing exercise that helps in improving the circulation of blood and lymph in the body. It also helps in reducing the stress and anxiety levels.

Takeaway

Adenomyosis is a painful and progressive condition. That’s why management of symptoms and treatment of root cause is necessary to restrict its progression into advanced stages.

Ayurveda offers effective natural ways for treatment of adenomyosis, thus reducing the symptoms and preventing the recurrence of the condition. Ayurvedic diet, lifestyle and medication provides a holistic natural avenue for permanent relief from health symptoms at the root cause level.

Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Health Experts to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.

FAQ

1. Can yoga help adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a condition that can cause heavy bleeding and cramping during menstruation. It occurs when the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscular walls of the uterus. While the exact cause of adenomyosis is unknown, it is thought to be related to hormonal imbalances.

Yoga helps to balance the hormones and improve circulation. It also helps to ease stress and relax the mind and body. As a result, yoga can be an effective treatment for adenomyosis.

Yoga has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including adenomyosis. Adenomyosis is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus. This can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and bloating. Yoga can help to reduce the symptoms of adenomyosis by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Additionally, yoga helps to balance the hormones and strengthens the muscles of the uterus. As a result, yoga can be an effective way to manage the symptoms of adenomyosis and improve overall health.

2. Is shatavari good for adenomyosis?

Shatavari, also known as Asparagus racemosus, is a climbing plant that is native to India. The root of the plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including adenomyosis. In Ayurveda, adenomyosis is considered to be a Pitta imbalance which can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping, and fatigue. Shatavari is thought to be helpful in treating adenomyosis because it helps to pacify Pitta, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration. Additionally, shatavari is a very nourishing herb that helps to replenish the body’s reserves of energy and fluids. For these reasons, shatavari is often recommended as an herbal treatment for adenomyosis.

3. How do you shrink adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscle walls of the uterus. This can cause the uterus to become enlarged and can lead to Heavy menstrual bleeding. Menorrhagia, Pelvic pain, and Infertility. There are various treatments available for adenomyosis, but there is no cure. The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and reduce the size of the lesions. There are many ways to shrink adenomyosis depending on the severity of symptoms. For milder cases, Ayurvedic herbs like Ashoka and Lodhra can be very effective in reducing the size of lesions and easing pain and heavy bleeding. For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the endometrial tissue from the muscle wall of the uterus. However, Ayurvedic medicine can still be used post-surgery to help reduce the risk of recurrence and promote healing.

4. What herbs are good for adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. This can cause the uterus to become enlarged and can lead to heavy, painful periods. While there is no cure for adenomyosis, there are some herbs that can help to ease symptoms and improve overall uterine health. Ashoka is an Indian herb that has been shown to be effective in treating adenomyosis. In one study, women who took ashoka extract for three months experienced a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding and pain. Other helpful herbs for adenomyosis include aloe vera, dandelion root, and turmeric. These herbs can help to reduce inflammation, balance hormone levels, and improve circulation to the uterus. When taken under the supervision of an experienced Ayurvedic doctor, herbs and medicines can help to ease symptoms and improve overall uterine health.

References

• A CASE STUDY ON ADENOMYOSIS
• Ayurvedic intervention in the management of uterine fibroids: A Case series
• Recent advances in understanding and managing adenomyosis
• Uterine Fibroids: From Molecular Oncology to Reproduction