Adenomyosis — Different from Endometriosis
Adenomyosis is distinct from endometriosis — endometrial tissue within the uterine wall causing heavy painful periods. Standard treatment options are limited. At Nature’s Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic in Belmont, Perth, Dr. Yang addresses the cold-stasis uterine pattern.
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Severe period pain
- Enlarged uterus
- Dragging/heavy pelvic sensation
- Pain with intercourse
- Dyspareunia worsening with cycle
- Often near menopause but can be earlier
- Distinct from endometriosis on imaging
- Reduced quality of life
- Anaemia from heavy bleeding
Why Adenomyosis Has Limited Standard Treatment
Hormonal options (Mirena, GnRH agonists) reduce bleeding. Hysterectomy is definitive but radical. Non-surgical options for women wanting to preserve fertility are limited. Pattern-matched treatment offers another approach.
Classical Chinese medicine reads adenomyosis as cold-stasis uterine pattern. Pattern-matched treatment addresses underlying contributors.
Your Treatment Timeline
- Acupuncture 1–2× weekly
- Pattern assessment
- Chinese herbal formula — pattern-matched
- Address anaemia
- Continue hormonal management if relevant
- Bleeding volume reducing
- Pain severity diminishing
- Cycle regularity improving
- Anaemia resolving
- Formula adjusted
- Sustained symptom reduction
- Constitutional rebuilding
- Possible reduction in hormonal medication
- Long-term maintenance
Supporting Research
- Address anaemia
- Warm pelvis during periods
- Iron-rich diet
- Address stress
- Adequate rest during periods
- Cold drinks during periods
- Heavy lifting during heavy bleeding
- Pushing through severe pain
- Self-medication without assessment
- Ignoring anaemia
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid hysterectomy?
Many women can with combined approach. Severe refractory cases may still need surgery.
Mirena IUD?
Helpful for many. Combined with constitutional treatment effective.
Fertility concerns?
Adenomyosis affects fertility. Constitutional treatment may improve outcomes.
How quickly?
Bleeding often reduces in 2-3 cycles. Pain reduction over months.
Difference from endometriosis?
Tissue location — adenomyosis is within uterine wall, endometriosis outside uterus. Both can co-exist.
Hormonal medication?
Compatible with classical treatment. Combined often most effective.