Adenomyosis vs Fibroids: Similarities and Differences Explained
Both Adenomyosis and Fibroids are female health problems related to the uterus.
They have many similar symptoms, like heavy periods and abdominal pain, which makes it difficult to judge the problem from the signs.
Their alikeness can also result in one of them being misinterpreted as the other.
However, in order to seek the right treatment, it is important to understand the difference between them.
This involves learning about their causes, associated risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
Make your way to the end of this Adenomyosis vs Fibroids comparison to enrich your knowledge and learn the differences between them.
Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis: Overview
The following table presents the overview of Adenomyosis and Fibroids for a quick insight.
| Factors | Adenomyosis | Fibroids |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Endometrial tissue grows into the muscular walls of the uterus | Non-cancerous growths in the uterus |
| Symptoms | Painful or heavy periods, pain in the abdomen or during sex, infertility, etc | Heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent pain, urination, etc |
| Causes | Invasive tissue growth, inflammation due to childbirth, stem cells, fetal development | It occurs due to genetics, insulin growth factors, hormonal changes, etc |
| Prevalence | Affects about 20-30 percent of females in their reproductive years globally | Affects 20 to 50 percent of females in their reproductive years, and it can further go up to 77 percent |
| Risk factors | Infertility, C-section, age and obesity etc | Old age, obesity, high blood pressure, no pregnancy, etc |
| Diagnosis | A pelvic exam, an ultrasound, or an MRI are used to diagnose Adenomyosis | Ultrasounds, both abdominal and transvaginal, can be used to check for Fibroids. MRIs and Hysterectomies are other available options |
| Treatment | Birth control, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgeries | Hormonal birth control, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgeries |
What is the difference between Fibroids and Adenomyosis
Fibroids are the growth of smooth muscles or noncancerous tumors in the uterus.
They affect 20-50 percent of the women of reproductive age.
This rate can go higher up to 77 percent.
On the other hand, Adenomyosis is the growth of endometrial tissue in the muscular walls of the uterus.
It affects 20-35 percent of the women.
Adenomyosis vs Fibroids symptoms
The symptoms of Adenomyosis include:
- Pelvic pain during menstruation
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Enlarged uterus
- Infertility
The symptoms of Fibroids include:
- Constipation or feeling pressure on your rectum
- Inability to pee
- Increased abdominal distention (enlargement)
- Bleeding between your periods
- Chronic vaginal discharge
- Frequent urination
Their common symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Heavy periods
- Painful periods
- Pain in the back or abdomen
Adenomyosis vs Fibroids causes
Some of the reasons responsible for Adenomyosis are:
- Fetal development: Sometimes, during fetal development, the endometrial tissue deposits into the muscles of the uterus. So this condition can happen during that phase
- Stem cells: The bone marrow stem cells can also enter the uterine walls sometimes, resulting in Adenomyosis
- Inflammation during childbirth: The uterus can undergo inflammation after childbirth. This can cause a breakout in the lining, which can also be a reason
- Invasive tissue growth: After a surgery like C-section, the endometrial tissue can invade the uterus wall, causing Adenomyosis
Fibroids are caused by:
- Genetics: Abnormal genes or changes to the genes of the uterine muscles can be one of the causes of Fibroids
- High hormone levels: The hormones Estrogen and Progesterone can thicken the lining of the uterus. This can help the Fibroids grow
- Insulin growth factor: It is one of the factors that helps the body maintain tissues, which can boost Fibroid growth
- Extracellular matrix (ECM): ECM is a connective tissue. So, it makes cells stick together, which can result in Fibroids
Adenomyosis vs Fibroids risk factors
The risk factors of Adenomyosis include:
- Women between the ages of 35 and 50
- C-section
- Obesity
- Other uterine surgery for miscarriage or abortion
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Have been pregnant two or more times
- Shorter-than-usual menstrual cycles, i.e., 24 days
- Infertility
- Birth control pills
- Early periods at age 10 or before
The risk factors of Fibroids are:
- Old Age
- African American race
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- No history of pregnancy
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Family history of uterine Fibroids
- Food additive consumption
- Use of soybean milk
Adenomyosis vs Fibroids diagnosis
The methods for diagnosing Adenomyosis and Fibroids are very similar.
Adenomyosis diagnosis
The diagnosis of Adenomyosis can involve a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, or an MRI.
The first step in the pelvic exam is examining the uterus.
If the uterus is spongy, Adenomyosis can be the case.
After this, a medical professional also performs transvaginal ultrasound.
It is done through an ultrasound probe inside the vagina to check for Adenomyosis.
For high-resolution images, an MRI is used.
It helps find the thickness of endometrial tissues.
Fibroids diagnosis
Diagnosing Fibroids can also be done through an ultrasound or MRI.
Moreover, Hysteroscopy is another advanced test for Fibroids.
It helps to determine submucosal Fibroids and polyps in the body.
Adenomyosis vs Fibroids treatment
The treatment of Adenomyosis and Fibroids is mainly based on the symptoms experienced.
Adenomyosis treatment
For treating Adenomyosis, a doctor may go ahead with medications or surgeries, depending on the symptoms.
The pain associated with Adenomyosis is primarily treated with Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Hormonal birth control, like contraceptive patches and pills can ease up symptoms like heavy or painful periods.
Another method to control bleeding is a dosage of 3.9-4 g/day of Tranexamic acid for four to five days from day one of the menstrual cycles.
Besides, surgeries like Hysterectomy (uterus removal) and Endometrial ablation (removing interior uterine lining) can be used to treat Adenomyosis.
Fibroids treatment
Unlike Adenomyosis, Fibroids need no treatment if you do not have any symptoms.
If symptoms arise, a doctor may opt for Hormonal birth control to treat menstrual issues like period cramps.
Another option is Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Mefenamic acid.
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When the goal of treatment is shrinking Fibroids, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone analogs (GnRH) are used.
An additional treatment for occasional use is Ulipristal acetate, which is used in case of moderate to severe symptoms.
Surgeries like Hysterectomy and Myomectomy (Fibroid removal from uterine walls) are used to get rid of Fibroids.
When looking to avoid big surgeries, Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) and Endometrial Ablation are used.
UAE interprets the problem through X-rays and scans to cut off blood supply from Fibroids to shrink them.
Adenomyosis and Fibroids together
Adenomyosis and Fibroids can occur together.
Usually, 80 percent of the women having Adenomyosis have at least one other condition of the uterus.
Overall, about 50 percent of women having Adenomyosis also have Fibroids.
As these two conditions cause many similar symptoms, it can be hard to tell if you have one or both without a diagnosis.
Conclusion
Adenomyosis and Fibroids are very similar female health issues that can occur together.
The growth of endometrial tissue in uterine walls is Adenomyosis, while the uterine non-cancerous tumors are Fibroids.
Their symptoms are similar, which include heavy periods, menstrual cramps, and back or abdominal pain.
Factors like age, infertility, and obesity can increase the risk of having Adenomyosis and Fibroids.
Despite the significant commonality, their causes differ as genetics and hormones cause Adenomyosis, while fetal development and stem cells cause Fibroids.
To tell them apart based on signs can be difficult. So, an ultrasound or MRI can help in diagnosing them.
Based on the symptoms and severity, a doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control and painkillers or opt for surgery.
Overall, it is possible to manage the symptoms and live a better life if you keep a close eye on the symptoms and seek treatment from a medical expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adenomyosis the same as Fibroids?
Both Adenomyosis and Fibroids are problems related to the uterus. However, despite common signs like painful or heavy periods and abdominal pain, they do have some differences. Adenomyosis is the overgrowth of endometrial tissue in the uterine walls, while Fibroids are non-cancerous uterine tumors.
What is the difference between Adenomyosis and Fibroids?
Adenomyosis is the overgrowth of endometrial tissue in the uterine walls. It differs from Fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors in the uterus. Adenomyosis is caused by genetic factors or high Estrogen and Progesterone. In contrast, fetal development or inflammation during childbirth can cause Fibroids.
Can you have Fibroids and Adenomyosis at the same time?
Yes, there is a possibility of having Fibroids and Adenomyosis at the same time. According to statistics, 50 percent of the women having Adenomyosis also have Fibroids. It is natural to feel more uncomfortable or have worsening symptoms in such cases.
Can Adenomyosis be mistaken for Fibroids?
Yes, Adenomyosis can be mistaken for Fibroids. This is because they have common signs like painful or heavy periods and bloating. Due to such similarities in symptoms, their treatment options are also common, which include surgeries, painkillers, and hormonal birth control.
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