What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition where cells grow inside the uterus walls, causing the walls of the uterus to thicken.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Despite the many symptoms of adenomyosis, one-third of women diagnosed present no symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- painful periods
- heavy periods
- iron deficiency or anaemia
- painful sex
- chronic pelvic pain
Adenomyosis is increasingly being diagnosed in young women of child-bearing age. Adenomyosis can also coexist with other conditions in some women, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Adenomyosis and the impact on fertility and pregnancy
One recent study found a 43% reduction in chances for clinical pregnancy and three times increased risk of miscarriage in women with adenomyosis compared to those without the condition. This is because the disease may affect sperm movement and affect embryo implantation. The abnormal growth of uterine lining cells may affect the baby’s development during pregnancy.
What causes adenomyosis?
The cause of adenomyosis is not fully understood. A few mechanisms are known to associate with adenomyosis, such as:
- Fibrosis – thickening and scarring of the tissues
- Inflammation of the uterine lining
- The imbalance of sex steroid hormones, e.g. estrogen and androgen
- Neuroangiogenesis – the coordinated growth of the nerves and blood vessels, increasing the pain perception
How is adenomyosis different from endometriosis?
Adenomyosis causes tissue damage to occur within the walls of the uterus. In contrast, endometriosis is characterised by tissue growth outside the uterus.
There are currently no international guidelines on the management and treatment plan of adenomyosis, and this is important considering a woman’s symptoms, age, and plan to have children. The lifelong management plan, including pain and bleeding control, fertility preservation and pregnancy risk and complications, would be more actively discussed.
What are the treatment options for adenomyosis?
It is best to seek your doctor’s advice for medical and surgical treatment options if diagnosed with adenomyosis.
Non-medical options such as diet, exercise, meditation or acupuncture may also help to improve the symptoms.
The top 4 adenomyosis diet tips
Nutrition research studies on adenomyosis are lacking, and hence much advice is still based on the dietary management plan for endometriosis. Below is what we know so far:
1. Eat more Cruciferous or Brassica vegetables
Research has found that Brassica vegetables can help reduce estrogen levels due to the indole glucosinolates’ phytochemicals content. This helps support the body’s ability to convert the excess estrogen into waste products in the liver.
Examples of Brassica vegetables include:
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
2. Increase Antioxidants-food intake
Consuming fruit and vegetables that are naturally high in antioxidants is also a crucial part of the adenomyosis diet. Antioxidants can neutralise free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation levels.
The research found that women with endometriosis who struggle to conceive have a lower antioxidants than those without the condition. Antioxidant intake can be boosted by consuming specific fruits and vegetables that naturally contain high amounts.
Fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants include:
- Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries
- Artichoke
- Kale
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Red grapes
Vitamin C and E supplementation can also help boost antioxidant levels. However, it is best to consult with your certified fertility dietitian before beginning supplementation.
3. Optimise intake of omega-3
Trans and saturated fats are commonly found in red meat, and highly processed food can increase the body’s inflammation response. The best way to combat these effects is to limit consumption of these foods whilst ensuring you consume a diet rich in omega-3 (healthy fats).
Omega-3 is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation within the body, and research has found that consuming high amounts of omega-3 reduces the risk of endometriosis.
The most significant source of omega 3 is oily fish. It is recommended to include 2-3 servings of fish per week (including oily fish such as Atlantic salmon, mackerel, sardine, and trout) as part of the healthy eating plan for adenomyosis. Walnuts, chia seeds, and linseeds are other plant-sourced omega-3.
Need more help? I’ve worked with many women to optimise their nutrition for various women’s health conditions in preparation for pregnancy.
I can help you too by creating a personalised nutrition plan tailored to your health conditions and nutritional needs.
With all my love,