Adenomyosis: Causes, Symptoms, and How Chinese Herbal Medicine Can Help

What is Adenomyosis? 

Adenomyosis is a common yet misunderstood condition in which the endometrial tissue (the tissue that normally lines the outside of the uterus) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, called the myometrium. This condition can cause an enlarged and inflamed uterus, often leading to debilitating symptoms. However, since adenomyosis doesn’t always present with symptoms, many women may not even know they have it. About 2-5% of people with severely painful periods have adenomyosis. 

Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis: Key Differences and How to Tell

Adenomyosis and Endometriosis are two distinct conditions but can share many symptoms and people can have both. The key difference lies in where the endometrial tissue abnormally grows (think inside vs. outside uterus):

• Adenomyosis (inside): tissue grows within the uterine wall (myometrium).
• Endometriosis (outside): tissue grows outside of the uterus, affecting places like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the pelvic side-wall, uterosacral ligaments, the pouch of douglas, and in rare cases, the upper abdomen and lungs.

While adenomyosis involves internal growth within the uterus, endometriosis affects surrounding areas outside the uterus. Women with adenomyosis tend to be older than those with endometriosis, most commonly affecting those 35 to 50 years old.

How to Diagnose Adenomyosis and Endometriosis

• Adenomyosis can sometimes be felt through physical examination. Your uterus may feel swollen or tender and a doctor may be able to determine if your uterus is enlarged. An MRI or ultrasound may be able to detect adenomyosis but in some cases, surgery would be the next step to examine the uterine tissue.
• Endometriosis can sometimes be detected through MRIs, but is typically diagnosed through a minimally invasive surgery called laparoscopy.

Common Adenomyosis Symptoms: Heavy Periods, Cramps, and More

Adenomyosis can be asymptomatic, but those who do experience symptoms of adenomyosis may suffer from:

• Painful cramps that are often sharp & intense
• Heavy and prolonged menstrual periods
• Feelings of abdominal pressure, bloating, fullness, or heaviness
• Pelvic pain 
• Pain with intercourse
• Enlarged uterus
• Fertility issues 

What Causes Adenomyosis? Understanding Risk Factors and Research

Unfortunately, adequate research & knowledge on adenomyosis is very minimal and remains a bit more elusive than other more well-known reproductive health conditions. The cause of adenomyosis is still unclear after decades of research but there are a few theories about its origin:

• Growth of Endometrial Tissue into the Uterine Muscle: The endometrial tissue may invade the muscle layer of the uterus.
• Developmental Defects: Some suggest adenomyosis may arise from leftover cells from the development of the uterus.
• Increased Uterine Contractions: Damage where the endometrium and myometrium meet can lead to inflammation and increasing estrogen levels, leading to stronger contractions. Over time, this may allow the endometrial cells to move into the muscle layer, causing adenomyosis.
• Increased exposure to estrogen: Prolonged estrogen exposure, like from shorter menstrual cycles or multiple pregnancies, may be a contributing factor.

TCM and Adenomyosis: A Holistic Approach to Hormone Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), adenomyosis is primarily viewed as a pattern diagnosis called Blood Stasis, which refers to stagnated or blocked blood flow in the uterus. TCM believes that a balanced flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood is essential for a healthy reproductive system- a dynamic largely managed by the Liver organ system. Disharmony in the Liver organ system can impact Qi and blood circulation, potentially leading to chronic conditions like adenomyosis, endometriosis, and fibroids. Other patterns of imbalance (known as your pattern diagnosis) can include:

• Qi stagnation
• Cold Stagnation
• Damp-Heat or Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
• Kidney Yin or Yang Deficiency
• Blood Deficiency

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Adenomyosis: Natural Relief Options 

Chinese herbal medicine focuses on balancing the body’s energy, reducing inflammation, modulating hormones, and improving blood circulation. It aims to address the root imbalances contributing to adenomyosis. TCM herbs are so potent and effective that they have shown promise in regulating menstrual cycles, alleviating PMS symptoms, and improving female fertility and pregnancy rates. 

By promoting overall health and regulating menstrual cycles, Chinese herbs may help reduce symptoms like pain, heavy bleeding, and discomfort. Additionally, herbs can support the body's natural healing processes, improve uterine health, and help manage the hormonal imbalances that contribute to adenomyosis. 

Best TCM Herbs for Adenomyosis: Angelica, Peony, and More

Using a TCM approach here at Elix, your personalized Cycle Balance formula holistically supports your body by focusing on the root imbalances leading to your symptoms. Your formula is customized based on your pattern diagnosis, determined via Elix's free Online Health Assessment. 

The best herbs for adenomyosis support this approach & some of them may be found in your formula, like:

• Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui): Contains antioxidant properties, helps to balance estrogen, anti-inflammatory properties, and shown to help regulate menstrual cycles.
• White Peony (Bai Shao): Anti-inflammatory properties, contains estrogen-balancing properties, modulates immune system, promotes blood circulation and helps regulate menstrual cycles
• Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong): Anti-inflammatory properties, promotes blood circulation, and pain relieving properties.
• Bupleurum (Chai Hu): Anti-inflammatory properties, protects the Liver, promotes Qi circulation, soothes irritability, and supports the stress response.

Does Elix Cycle Balance Work: Real Results and Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it, hear from Elix’s adenomyosis warriors: 

“I had been suffering with the effects of uterine polyps and adenomyosis for 4 years. After 6 months, Elix has allowed me to get my life back! I can now function at 90% as opposed to 10% during my menses. The bloating, diarrhea, intense cramping, giant blood clots causing severe anemia and fatigue are 95% gone.” - Ariel, 6 month Elix community member 

“This stuff WORKS! I have been dealing with adenomyosis: very heavy periods with numerous thick clots. After using Elix for just 2 cycles, my last period was LIGHT with very minimal small clots. A million thank yous!” - Megan, 3 month Elix community member 

Holistic Approaches to Supporting Adenomyosis Symptoms

You deserve to feel your best everyday of your cycle, let your customized Cycle Balance formula be the key to your holistic care plan. Get started today by taking Elix’s free Online Health Assessment now.

Have questions? Meet with one of Elix’s board certified acupuncturists and herbalists to learn how Cycle Balance can support you.  

Discover my Personalized Blend

Sources:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14167-adenomyosis
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11277467/
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adenomyosis
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7927213/ 
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24345498/ 
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29486278/ 
7. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/uterine-adenomyosis 
8. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/01674820801893011 
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25637159/

This article was reviewed by Dr. Liem Le.

Dr. Liem Le is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and Nutritionist in the Integrative Medicine Department at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. He is on the teaching staff for the Masters program for the Functional Medicine and Human Nutrition program at University of Western States. Dr. Le is currently working on his fellowship in Integrative Medicine with the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine via a scholarship from the White House.