Adenomyosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing painful or heavy periods.
Common symptoms include heavy periods, painful periods, pelvic pain, bloating, and sometimes pain during sex or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.
Imaging helps when periods are very heavy or painful, the womb may be enlarged, or doctors need to distinguish adenomyosis from fibroids or another pelvic problem.
Ultrasound and MRI can help suggest the diagnosis and show how extensive the uterine wall changes are.
Treatment may include pain control, hormone-based therapy, and in some cases surgery depending on symptoms and fertility goals.
This entry explains the condition. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.