Pelvic disorders
Adenomyosis
Related terms · Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, which can cause dysmenorrhea and excessive bleeding.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25
Meaning and Distinctions
What is adenomyosis?
We evaluate pain, bleeding, anemia, uterine size, and pregnancy plans together. Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows within the muscular wall of the uterus, menstrual painwhich can cause menstrual pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Easily confused terms
- endometriosis, which primarily involves tissue growing outside the uterus endometriosis, and fibroids, which are lump-shaped growths.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- This affects the choice of medication, procedures, surgery, and symptom management.
- What to record for your visit
- If heavy bleeding is accompanied by dizziness, Anemiaplease receive an evaluation for bleeding.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.DysmenorrheaDysmenorrhea is pain in the lower abdomen and lower back that occurs before and after menstruation; it is categorized into primary pain and secondary pain caused by other medical conditions.EndometriosisEndometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can cause inflammation and pain.Uterine FibroidsUterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscular wall of the uterus; depending on their location and size, they may cause bleeding, pain, or a feeling of pressure.
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Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideAdenomyosisSymptoms of adenomyosis may include menstrual cramps severe enough to disrupt daily life, heavy or prolonged menstruation with large blood clots, pelvic pain or dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) regardless of the cycle, and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. In some cases, there are almost no symptoms, and because it is similar to uterine fibroids or endometriosis, a definitive diagnosis is not made based on symptoms alone. If heavy bleeding causes dizziness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue, anemia must be checked. Even if pain has decreased, if low energy after menstruation or pelvic pressure remains, the treatment goal must be re-evaluated to see if it has moved to the next stage. At Baekrokdam, we first distinguish between acute excessive bleeding and necessary gynecological exams, then provide consultations for chronic or recurring pain, bleeding, and loss of vitality through Korean herbal medicine treatment.→
- Condition GuideMenstrual CrampsPrimary menstrual pain usually manifests as a squeezing pain in the lower abdomen just before or around the start of menstruation, which may spread to the lower back and thighs; it may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness. On the other hand, if pain occurs that was not present before, gradually worsens, lasts long before menstruation starts or remains after it ends, or overlaps with excessive/irregular bleeding, dyspareunia, dysuria (pain during urination), or pain during bowel movements, secondary causes such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease must be checked. If there is a possibility of pregnancy and you experience severe one-sided pain, bleeding, shoulder pain, dizziness, or a feeling of fainting, do not assume it is menstrual pain and seek an immediate evaluation.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat are the differences between menstrual cramps, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids?Pain that occurs around the start of menstruation and is controlled with pain medication is common, but if the pain worsens every year, continues outside of menstruation, or occurs during intercourse or bowel movements, endometriosis is checked. Severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, or an enlarged uterus, can appear in adenomyosis; while a feeling of pressure, frequent urination, and heavy bleeding can appear in fibroids. We do not distinguish these by symptoms alone but tailor the necessary tests, such as physical examinations and ultrasounds.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhen pain that only occurred during menstruation persists even on normal days, what has changed?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.