Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Uterine Conditions Endometriosis Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis Both affect the lining of the uterus, but have distinct differences By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH LinkedIn Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a freelance health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical settings. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 09, 2023 Medically reviewed by Cordelia Nwankwo, MD Medically reviewed by Cordelia Nwankwo, MD Cordelia Nwankwo, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN working in private practice in Washington, DC. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Tissue Growth Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping Frequently Asked Questions Adenomyosis and endometriosis are medical conditions that cause an overgrowth of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). With adenomyosis, the tissue grows into the walls of the uterus. With endometriosis, the tissues grow outside of the uterus and can extend to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic wall, and bowel. Although they are two distinct conditions, adenomyosis and endometriosis share symptoms such as painful periods and heavy menstrual bleeding. Because of this, they are often mistaken for one another. They can even occur at the same time. This article describes the symptoms and causes of adenomyosis and endometriosis and explains how the two conditions are diagnosed and treated. Bernie_Photo / Getty Images Gender Definitions For the purpose of this article, "female" refers to people with vaginas irrespective of the gender or genders they identify with. The gender terms used in this article are from the cited reference source. Tissue Growth in Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis Adenomyosis involves cells of the endometrium extending into the walls of the uterus (myometrium), causing them to thicken. Despite these changes, the endometrial tissues remain functional and are shed with each period, causing bleeding. The tissues that extend beyond the uterus in endometriosis are different. While they are similar to endometrial tissue, they are not exactly like what's in the uterus. These tissues function similarly—breaking down and bleeding with each period—but ultimately become trapped in the organs they invade. This can lead to scarring and adhesions (the sticking together of tissues). Symptoms of Adenomyosis and Endometriosis Despite being two separate conditions, adenomyosis and endometriosis share many of the same symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods. Even so, there are certain signs that can help differentiate them. Adenomyosis Symptoms Heavy menstrual bleeding Painful menstrual periods Painful sexual intercourse Enlarged uterus Endometriosis Symptoms Heavy menstrual bleeding Painful menstrual periods Painful sexual intercourse Spotting or bleeding between periods Infertility Pain with bowel movements or urination Digestive problems Fatigue Comparatively, though, endometriosis causes more symptoms than adenomyosis. In some cases, people with adenomyosis may have no symptoms at all and only find out about their condition when it is advanced or diagnosed along with endometriosis. How to Manage Endometriosis Pain Causes The exact cause of adenomyosis and endometriosis is unknown. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing these conditions. Broadly speaking, adenomyosis is associated with prior or ongoing stress placed on the uterus. Endometriosis is influenced by genetics and other conditions that interfere with normal menstrual cycles. Around 10% of females of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis. While it is harder to determine the prevalence of adenomyosis because it is often asymptomatic, studies suggest that the condition may affect about 20% of females of reproductive age. Adenomyosis Risk Factors Being in your 40s or 50s Having multiple pregnancies Prior uterine surgery Smoking A prior ectopic pregnancy Tamoxifen use Endometriosis Risk Factors Being in your 30s or 40s Having never had children Having short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days) Heavy menstrual periods that last for more than seven days A family history of endometriosis Menstruation starting before age 11 Causes and Risk Factors of Endometriosis Diagnosing Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis Adenomyosis and endometriosis are diagnosed with many of the same tools and techniques, including: Pelvic exam: A manual examination of the pelvis organ Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS): A wand-like device inserted into the vagina that can image pelvic organs with reflected sound waves Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A imaging technology that uses powerful radio and magnetic waves to create highly detailed images of soft tissues There are also other diagnostic tools used specifically for adenomyosis or endometriosis. Identifying Adenomyosis The only way to truly diagnose adenomyosis is to examine the tissue of the uterus after a hysterectomy, surgery to remove the uterus. The decision to undergo a hysterectomy is based on a review of the benefits and risks of the procedure. In some instances, your healthcare provider may perform a biopsy to obtain a sample of the endometrium that can be examined under a microscope. But this is done to ensure that a more serious condition like uterine cancer or endometrial cancer isn't involved—not to aid in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Identifying Endometriosis In some cases, your healthcare provider will refer you to a surgeon to undergo a laparoscopy. This is a surgical procedure in which a tube-like scope is inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen to view the pelvic organs. Laparoscopy can provide details about the size, location, and extent of the spread of endometrial tissues outside of the uterus. Your surgeon may also take an endometrial biopsy for further testing. How Endometriosis Is Treated Treatment Options Treatment for adenomyosis and endometriosis varies based on which symptoms are present and how severe they are. While there is no cure for these conditions, they can be well-managed. Among some of the treatment options commonly used for both conditions are: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These include over-the-counter drugs like Advil (ibuprofen) to relieve pain associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. Hormonal birth control: These include a progestin-only intrauterine device (IUD) or continuous-use birth control pills to halt menstruation and relieve pain. Hysterectomy: Surgery may be explored when conservative therapies fail to provide relief. Other treatments used specifically for endometriosis include: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These drugs stop menstruation and, by doing so, reduce severe menstrual pain. Aromatase inhibitors: These are drugs that reduce the amount of estrogen in your body. They are commonly prescribed alongside a hormonal contraceptive. Laparoscopic surgery: This is a conservative alternative to hysterectomy that selectively removes tissue overgrowth where it occurs. Fertility treatment: This includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) if endometriosis causes infertility. Adenomyosis and Hysterectomy Living With Adenomyosis or Endometriosis Living with chronic pain from adenomyosis or endometriosis can be distressing and lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. If you are concerned about your mood, ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or therapist. A 2016 study reported that women with endometriosis found it helpful to plan work and social events around their menstrual periods. This is to avoid being active during the heaviest days of their periods, when pain is the most intense. Other coping techniques for endometriosis include: Routine exercise Meditation Massage Acupuncture Heating pad application Coping with Endometriosis Summary Adenomyosis and endometriosis are chronic conditions that affect the endometrium, the tissue lining of the uterus. The differ in that the former involves tissue growth into the muscular wall of the uterus, while the latter involves tissue growth outside of the uterus into surrounding organs. Symptoms of both include pelvic pain and heavy menstrual periods, but there are some unique symptoms as well. Possible treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, hormonal contraceptives, and hysterectomy. Frequently Asked Questions Is adenomyosis more severe than endometriosis? Endometriosis is more likely to cause symptoms than adenomyosis. Many individuals with adenomyosis do not know they have it because of the lack of symptoms. Does adenomyosis cause abdominal distension? Adenomyosis may lead to abdominal distention. The uterus can become enlarged when its walls become overly thick due to endometrial tissue growth. This can cause the abdomen to swell. Can adenomyosis turn to endometriosis? While adenomyosis does not cause endometriosis, the two conditions are linked. Individuals with endometriosis are more likely to be diagnosed with adenomyosis than women without a disorder of the endometrium. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Endometriosis. Chapron C, Tosti C, Marcellin L, Bourdon M, Lafay-Pillet MC, Millischer AE, Streuli I, Borghese B, Petraglia F, Santulli P. Relationship between the magnetic resonance imaging appearance of adenomyosis and endometriosis phenotypes. Hum Reprod. 2017 Jul 1;32(7):1393-1401. doi:10.1093/humrep/dex088 MedlinePlus. Adenomyosis. Taran FA, Stewart EA, Brucker S. Adenomyosis: epidemiology, risk factors, clinical phenotype and surgical and interventional alternatives to hysterectomy. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2013 Sep;73(9):924–31. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1350840 Office on Women's Health. Endometriosis. World Health Organization. Endometriosis. Naftalin J, Hoo W, Pateman K, Mavrelos D, Holland T, Jurkovic D. How common is adenomyosis? A prospective study of prevalence using transvaginal ultrasound in a gynaecology clinic. Hum Reprod. 2012 Dec;27(12):3432-9. doi:10.1093/humrep/des332 Laganà AS, La rosa VL, Rapisarda AMC, et al. Anxiety and depression in patients with endometriosis: impact and management challenges. Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:323-330. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S119729 Roomaney R, Kagee A. Coping strategies employed by women with endometriosis in a public health-care setting. J Health Psychol. 2016;21(10):2259-2268. doi:10.1177/1359105315573447 Additional Reading American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Endometriosis. Vannuccini S, Petraglia F. Recent advances in understanding and managing adenomyosis. F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000 Faculty Rev-283. Published 2019 Mar 13. doi:10.12688/f1000research.17242.1 By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit