Adenomyosis

Q Can adenomyosis only be cured by removing the uterus? Can the symptoms be controlled while preserving the uterus?

A. A hysterectomy is the only cure for adenomyosis, but there are various ways to manage pain and bleeding while preserving the uterus. Depending on your pregnancy plans, the time remaining until menopause, and symptom severity, conservative treatment can be a realistic choice.

Q I was told I have both adenomyosis and endometriosis. How are the two treated together?

A. Both conditions are based on blood stasis and estrogen imbalance, so their treatment directions overlap, but the depth of muscle-layer invasion in adenomyosis must be addressed more intensively. We manage both lesions together by combining hormone therapy and Korean medicine.

Q I have both adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. Is it more dangerous to have both together?

A. When adenomyosis and uterine fibroids overlap, heavy bleeding and pain can become more severe, but the level of risk varies depending on the size and location of each. Regular ultrasound follow-up that evaluates both together is important.

Q How should I manage adenomyosis in daily life? Is there more to it than just keeping warm?

A. You should combine warming the lower abdomen, limiting cold foods, regular light exercise, and minimizing stress. Focused warming around your period and iron supplementation during menstruation are also important.

Q Is it okay to exercise with adenomyosis? How should I exercise when the pain is severe?

A. Light aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, yoga) is helpful for adenomyosis. Lower the intensity during painful menstrual days, and be cautious with exercises that greatly raise abdominal pressure or with cold swimming-pool environments that chill the lower abdomen.

Q My periods are so heavy from adenomyosis that I feel dizzy and short of breath. How dangerous is it if the anemia gets worse?

A. If anemia from the heavy bleeding of adenomyosis worsens, it can progress to severe iron-deficiency anemia and strain the heart. If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, you must check your blood test (hemoglobin level), and if it is low, OB-GYN and internal medicine treatment should come first.

Q I'm told I need to take herbal medicine for a long time for adenomyosis. Is there any burden on the body? Could it affect my liver or kidneys?

A. Properly prescribed herbal medicine meets safety standards, and with regular liver and kidney function monitoring during long-term use, it can be managed safely in most cases. Adding health supplements or other herbal medicines on your own carries a risk of interactions, so you must let us know.

Q My OB-GYN prescribed hormone medication for adenomyosis. Will taking herbal medicine affect the hormone drugs?

A. In general, direct interactions between herbal medicine and hormone drugs are rare, but you must tell your Korean medicine doctor about every medication you are taking. Safe formula adjustment is possible, and Korean medicine is sometimes used to complement and ease side effects of hormone therapy.

Q I heard adenomyosis gets better on its own after menopause. I'm in my 40s now, so how do I get through until then?

A. Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, so it naturally improves after menopause as estrogen declines. A realistic goal is to manage pain, bleeding, and anemia well during the years until menopause to maintain your quality of life.

Q I was advised to have a hysterectomy, but I'm terrified. Is there any other way? Can I manage the symptoms without surgery?

A. Symptoms can be managed without a hysterectomy using options such as the Mirena, hormone therapy, and uterine artery embolization. If you have no plans for pregnancy and symptoms are severe, surgery can be a definitive solution, but the closer you are to menopause, the more conservative management comes first.

Q What exactly is adenomyosis? I keep confusing it with endometriosis.

A. Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows into the muscular wall (myometrium), causing the uterus to enlarge overall. Unlike endometriosis, where lesions form outside the uterus, adenomyosis develops within the uterine muscle itself.

Q Why does adenomyosis cause such heavy periods and severe pain? I'm curious about the mechanism.

A. It is because the ectopic endometrium inside the uterine muscle bleeds and inflames every month, making it hard for the whole uterus to contract. When the uterus cannot contract properly, bleeding does not stop, causing heavy bleeding, while inflammation directly stimulates the nerves, causing severe pain.

Q I have adenomyosis; are there any specific foods I should avoid? I am worried because my bleeding tends to be severe.

A. Red meat, processed meat, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation and estrogen imbalance, potentially worsening excessive bleeding and pain. Cold foods such as ice cream and frozen beverages also impair blood flow to the uterus, intensifying pain.

Q My period pain seems much worse in months when I'm very stressed. Is there a link between adenomyosis and stress?

A. The stress hormone cortisol disrupts estrogen balance and intensifies the inflammatory response in the uterine muscle layer, worsening adenomyosis pain. Lack of sleep and overwork act in the same direction.

Q I'm looking for a Korean medicine clinic for adenomyosis near Dongincheon in Incheon. How long does treatment take and how does it proceed?

A. Treatment usually proceeds with acupuncture and large moxibustion 1 to 2 times a week, along with herbal medicine taken daily. We focus on intensive management for the first 2 to 3 months, then adjust the cycle based on how stable your symptoms are. If you bring your OB-GYN test results and a list of your current medications, a more accurate plan is possible.

Q I would like to know the order in which Dongjedang treats adenomyosis.

A. The process proceeds in the following order: ① Diagnosis assessment → ② Restoration of uterine temperature using moxibustion and deep tissue heat therapy → ③ Dispersion of blood stasis in the muscle layer using blood-activating and blood-resolving herbal prescriptions such as Gyejibokryeonghwan and Dohongsamultang → ④ Recovery of bleeding loss through blood-replenishing and nourishing treatments → ⑤ Lifestyle management to prevent recurrence.

Q What should I bring when I go for my first Korean medicine consultation for adenomyosis?

A. If you bring your recent OB-GYN ultrasound report, the names of your current medications (Mirena, hormone drugs, iron supplements), and a note of your last 3 months' menstrual start dates, durations, bleeding amounts, and pain intensity, your first visit will be much faster and more accurate.

Q I had a Mirena inserted for adenomyosis but still have pain. Can Korean medicine really help?

A. When pain remains even though a Mirena is reducing bleeding, Korean medicine can offer complementary help by improving pelvic blood flow and easing inflammation. It can be used alongside the Mirena without removing it.