How to Manage Dysmenorrhea Caused by Adenomyosis
Disease description:
I experience dysmenorrhea with every menstrual cycle—so severe that it’s unbearable. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with adenomyosis. How can dysmenorrhea caused by adenomyosis be effectively managed?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Gao Yulian
The primary cause of dysmenorrhea in adenomyosis is the invasion of endometrial stroma or glands into the myometrium, leading to shedding and hemorrhage during menstruation. Hormonal therapy is often the first-line treatment—for example, mifepristone, ulipristal acetate, or leuprolide acetate—which induces a state of artificial menopause, thereby preventing endometrial shedding and bleeding and naturally alleviating dysmenorrhea. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may also be used to relieve dysmenorrhea, such as Guizhi Fuling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill) or Chaihu Zhitong Pian (Bupleurum Analgesic Tablets). Patients should consume warm foods and drink warm water; spicy, sour, and cold foods must be avoided before and during menstruation to prevent exacerbation of dysmenorrhea associated with adenomyosis.
