
The best treatment for adenomyosis
Disease description:
I experience severe dysmenorrhea every time during menstruation. I used to take medication for the pain, which provided slight relief, but now neither medication nor injections are effective. My uterus has enlarged to the size similar to a three-month pregnancy. Some doctors have suggested a hysterectomy, stating that it is caused by adenomyosis. Doctor, what are the best treatment options for adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis, also known as uterine adenomyosis, is a condition characterized by the invasion of endometrial tissue into the myometrium of the uterus. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularities. Due to individual variations, there is no single optimal treatment for adenomyosis. However, appropriate treatment options can be selected based on the severity of the condition.
1. **Medical Treatment**: For patients with mild symptoms, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, or hormonal medications such as oral contraceptives and progesterone may be used under medical supervision to relieve pain and reduce menstrual bleeding. It should be noted that medication primarily alleviates symptoms and is rarely curative.
2. **Surgical Treatment**: For patients who cannot tolerate long-term medication, those who fail to respond to medical therapy, or those with severe symptoms, surgical treatment may be considered. Surgical options include adenomyoma excision or hysterectomy. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the patient's age, symptom severity, and fertility wishes.
3. **Interventional Therapy**: Procedures such as uterine artery embolization involve blocking the blood supply to the uterus, thereby inhibiting endometrial growth and achieving therapeutic effects. This method is suitable for some patients with mild symptoms.
4. **Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)**: Adjunctive therapies such as herbal medicine and acupuncture may help relieve pain and regulate menstruation. However, the therapeutic effects are relatively slow and require long-term adherence.
In addition, maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits can also help alleviate the condition.