Adenomyosis vs Endometriosis: Clearing Up Confusion

Do you have painful and heavy periods? What about irregular bleeding and pelvic pain? If you haven’t found definitive answers on whether you might have endometriosis or adenomyosis, it might be because adenomyosis vs endometriosis symptoms are very similar! If you have symptoms that are in line with adenomyosis and endometriosis but aren’t sure which one you have, it can be incredibly frustrating.  

Whether you have endometriosis or adenomyosis, both are painful conditions to live with, but knowing the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis can help with your management plan moving forward. While both conditions involve lesions of a similar nature, where they grow is what differentiates the two! 

Having endometriosis myself and working with many clients that have both adenomyosis and endometriosis, it’s essential to clarify how each condition affects the body. Let’s get into the details so you can figure out which is which (and try to find some relief!)

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular layer of the uterus (the myometrium). It’s a difficult condition to live with—that’s the unfortunate reality of having adenomyosis. The only way to completely cure this condition is to have a hysterectomy, which is only used in severe cases and for those who don’t plan on/don’t desire giving birth later in life.  

Some symptoms of adenomyosis include: 

• Heavy and long menstrual bleeding 

• Severe cramps with periods 

• Pain with menstruation 

• Irregular bleeding between periods 

• Feelings of abdominal bloating, heaviness, or fullness 

• Recurrent and persistent pain in the genital area 

• Throbbing pain and discomfort in the legs 

• Digestive symptoms 

• Pelvic pain or pressure 

• Bladder pressure 

• Pain with sex 

• Back pain 

• Infertility 

• Enlarged uterus 

It’s important to note that there are actually two different types of adenomyosis: focal and diffuse. I’ve heard from numerous people that they didn’t even realize there were two different types! This is why it's so important to do your own research to make sure you understand everything there is to know about your condition.  

So, what’s the difference between the two types of adenomyosis? 

• Diffuse Adenomyosis - is more widely spread throughout the uterus and occurs more commonly in women who have had children. Diffuse endometriosis can only be cured with a hysterectomy or managed medically or holistically. 

• Focal Adenomyosis - occurs in one part of the uterus rather than spread throughout. This can include adenomyosis that has grown into a c-section scar (isthmocele) or focal infiltrative disease. The latter stems from endometriosis and can be found growing on the outside of the uterus.  

These growths are shaped like big balls called adenomyomas (a form of focal adenomyosis but more extensive.) Adenomyosmas can be treated with surgery. Isthmocele can be surgically corrected, and adenomyosis can be removed. Beyond surgery, there are less invasive ways to manage adenomyosis symptoms—we’ll cover that next!  

Adenomyosis Symptom Management

Unfortunately, there’s so little research on adenomyosis that it makes providing evidence-based tips more complicated. As an endo dietitian who has worked with clients who deal with adenomyosis and endometriosis, it’s frustrating on either side of the spectrum (to say the least!). 

For you adenowarriors out there, here’s a list of foods and supplements that you can try to manage your adeno-related symptoms naturally: 

• Vitamin D to help healthy function of ovaries, endometrium, and myometrium 

• Protein to build muscle to support the myometrium 

• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower to help remove excess estrogen 

• Nitrate-rich veggies like beetroot or supplements like l-arginine for blood flow 

• Castor oil packs to remove excess estrogen, reduce inflammation, and soften masses 

• Zinc, vitamin E, folate, B12, iron and omega-3 for uterine health 

Beyond nutrition, you can also stimulate blood flow by doing yoga, dancing, walking, and getting acupuncture. Another option is seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist to help manage pelvic pain. Other conventional methods are available, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or hormone medications. Always speak to your doctor to see what’s best for you and your body.   

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue (that’s similar to the endometrium uterine lining, but also very different in many ways) grows in other parts of the body. Endo growths most often show up on the pelvic organs, ovaries, and fallopian tubes (though endo has been found on every organ of the body!).  

As the hormones in your body change with the cycle, these endo growths start to thicken, break down, and bleed, similar to what happens in your uterus when you start your period, except they have nowhere to go! Since they have no way to escape the body, this results in bleeding into the pelvis or other areas, creating built-up scar tissue.  

Over time, endometriosis causes inflammation in the body, leading to pain and flare-ups. This causes symptoms that can affect the body both physically and mentally. 

Some symptoms of endometriosis include: 

• Painful, heavy, or irregular periods  

• Ovulation pain  

• Pain with sex  

• Painful bowel movements or urination  

• Digestive issues  

• Constipation 

• Diarrhea  

• Bloating  

• Pelvic pain  

• Nerve pain 

• Back pain 

• Infertility  

• Fatigue 

• Anxiety 

• Depression 

Adenomyosis vs endometriosis symptoms can overlap with one another, which is why these two conditions can often be misdiagnosed, or diagnosed together.  

Endometriosis Symptom Management

Like adenomyosis, endometriosis has no cure but can be managed through conventional and holistic medicine and therapies. There’s also the option to have surgery such as laparoscopy to remove endo growths. Keep in mind that getting surgery doesn’t guarantee relief to your symptoms, so it's crucial to weigh out all of your options first.  

If you’re looking for a more holistic and natural approach for managing (or eliminating!) your endometriosis symptoms, I can help!   

Understanding the Difference Between Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

Are you having painful periods and pelvic pain? It’s important to know the differences between adenomyosis vs endometriosis symptoms. Although both conditions involve similar lesions, there’s a key difference to remember: inside vs. outside growths. With endo, these cells can grow in nearby organs and other areas of the body. With adeno, the cells are only found growing deep in the muscular wall of the uterus. While both have no cure, they often can be managed with various holistic and conventional methods.  

Whether you’re experiencing endometriosis or adenomyosis, I know it’s NOT easy, and I hope you can find the treatment plan that works best for you and your body! 

Connect with me, and learn more about how I’ve helped hundreds of women regain control of their symptoms and their lives. Be sure to also follow me on Instagram as I cover more on adenomyosis and endometriosis there!