Adenomyosis Diet And Enhancing Fertility
Are you seeking a holistic approach to managing the symptoms of adenomyosis? Are you trying to conceive with adenomyosis?
This comprehensive adenomyosis diet guide offers practical nutrition tips to help minimise the symptoms and support your fertility journey.
What Is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis, often confused with endometriosis, affects the uterus by causing heavy periods, severe cramping, and pelvic pain.
Although the exact cause remains unclear, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and genetic factors are known to play a role. This condition impacts more than just physical health, taking a significant emotional toll on affected women.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms?
Despite the many symptoms of adenomyosis, one in three patients is asymptomatic. If you experience the following symptoms, please consult your medical doctor for proper assessment and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- pelvic pain
- infertility
Most patients are diagnosed from 40 to 50 years of age. Adenomyosis can also coexist with other conditions in some women, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis: Key Differences Explained
While adenomyosis and endometriosis share some similarities, they present with unique characteristics. Adenomyosis involves tissue damage within the uterine walls, whereas endometriosis is characterised by tissue growth outside the uterus.
Adenomyosis and Its Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy
Adenomyosis is found in 7.5% of young infertile women, with a higher prevalence in women 40 years old and associated with higher mean age, BMI, dysmenorrhoea, and ovarian endometriomas.
According to a 2021 study, women with adenomyosis experience a 43% reduction in the odds of clinical pregnancy and face a threefold increase in miscarriage risk. The condition is also linked to severe obstetric complications, including an eight-fold increase in pre-eclampsia risk, a four-fold increase in small-for-gestational-age babies, and a three-fold increase in preterm deliveries.
Current Evidence on Adenomyosis Diet
Currently, specific nutritional guidelines exclusively for adenomyosis are lacking. However, general recommendations and insights can be applied to improve the quality of life, manage symptoms, and optimise fertility for individuals with adenomyosis.
1. Eat More Cruciferous or Brassica vegetables
One powerful group of vegetables to consider are those from the Brassica family, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower. These vegetables are rich in glucosinolates, compounds that offer numerous health benefits.
According to a review by Wu et al. (2021), glucosinolates facilitate the conversion of estrogens into non-active forms, thereby supporting hormonal regulation and balance.
This process is particularly beneficial for those managing adenomyosis, a condition often exacerbated by excess estrogen levels. Incorporating more Brassica vegetables into your diet can harness their natural ability to promote hormonal equilibrium, making them a valuable addition to an adenomyosis diet.
2. Elevate Antioxidant Intake
In the adenomyosis diet, increasing your consumption of antioxidant-rich foods is essential. Antioxidants act as the body’s defenders against free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Studies show that women with conditions like adenomyosis often have lower antioxidant levels, which can worsen symptoms. Adding specific fruits and vegetables naturally rich in antioxidants to your diet can alleviate these symptoms.
Some excellent choices include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, artichokes, kale, beets, cabbage, and red grapes. These foods are flavourful and packed with health-promoting compounds that can support your body’s defence mechanisms and promote hormonal balance, which is crucial for managing adenomyosis.
3. Optimise Intake of Omega-3
Trans and saturated fats, commonly found in red meat and highly processed foods, can increase the body’s inflammatory response. To counteract these effects, limiting the consumption of these foods while ensuring a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial.
Omega-3s are powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation within the body. Research has shown that consuming high amounts of omega-3 can significantly reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like endometriosis and potentially adenomyosis.
Oily fish such as Atlantic salmon, mackerel, sardine, and trout are the most significant sources of omega-3. Two to three servings of these fish per week are recommended as part of a healthy eating plan for managing adenomyosis.
To learn more about including fertility-enhancing foods in your diet, read our previous blog post here.
The Bottom Line
- Adenomyosis is a complex condition affecting the uterus.
- Dietary adjustments can play a crucial role in symptom management and optimising fertility.
- A well-balanced adenomyosis diet focusing on Brassica vegetables, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids is a proactive step toward better well-being.
