Reproductive health
Medicines for Adenomyosis
A condition where womb-lining tissue grows into the muscular wall of the womb, causing heavy, painful periods and pelvic pain — managed with medicines or, sometimes, surgery.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows into the muscular wall of the womb. This can make the womb enlarged and tender and typically causes heavy or prolonged periods, painful periods (sometimes severe), pelvic pain and a feeling of pressure or bloating.
- How it is treated: Treatment is guided by the symptoms and a woman's wishes, including whether she wants to preserve fertility.
- Self-care: Ensuring good iron intake to counter anaemia from heavy bleeding, using pain-management strategies, and discussing hormonal options with a clinician all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP about heavy, prolonged or very painful periods, or persistent pelvic pain and pressure, so the cause can be assessed and treatment options discussed.
What it is
Adenomyosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows into the muscular wall of the womb. This can make the womb enlarged and tender and typically causes heavy or prolonged periods, painful periods (sometimes severe), pelvic pain and a feeling of pressure or bloating. It is related to, but distinct from, endometriosis, and the two can occur together. It is more common in women who have had children and towards the later reproductive years, and it tends to improve after the menopause. Because the symptoms overlap with other gynaecological conditions, assessment — often including an ultrasound or MRI — helps confirm it.
How it is treated
Treatment is guided by the symptoms and a woman's wishes, including whether she wants to preserve fertility. Options for the heavy, painful periods include medicines that reduce bleeding and pain and hormonal treatments (such as the hormonal coil or other hormonal methods) that can significantly improve symptoms. When symptoms are severe and other treatments have not helped, and a woman has completed her family, removing the womb (hysterectomy) is a definitive option. Managing anaemia from heavy bleeding, and support for pain, are also part of care. Care is individualised with a gynaecology team.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Adenomyosis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Ensuring good iron intake to counter anaemia from heavy bleeding, using pain-management strategies, and discussing hormonal options with a clinician all help. A healthy lifestyle supports general wellbeing.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about heavy, prolonged or very painful periods, or persistent pelvic pain and pressure, so the cause can be assessed and treatment options discussed.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Adenomyosis: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between adenomyosis and endometriosis?
In adenomyosis, womb-lining-like tissue grows into the muscular wall of the womb; in endometriosis it grows outside the womb. They are related, can occur together, and both can cause painful, heavy periods.
How is adenomyosis treated?
Options include medicines to reduce bleeding and pain and hormonal treatments (such as the hormonal coil). When symptoms are severe and the family is complete, a hysterectomy is a definitive option.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG88 — Heavy menstrual bleeding
- NHS — Adenomyosis / Endometriosis UK
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