If you’ve ever had period pain that felt unbearable, been told it’s “just a bad period,” or struggled to get real answers from your doctor, you’re not alone. While endometriosis is finally getting some long-overdue attention, its lesser-known cousin, adenomyosis, is still largely ignored. But the truth is, this condition can be just as debilitating - causing severe pain, heavy bleeding, and even fertility challenges. So why aren’t we talking about it more?

What Is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis happens when tissue similar to what lines your uterus (the endometrium) starts growing into the uterus's muscle wall. This causes inflammation, an enlarged uterus, and intense pain. It’s often mistaken for endometriosis, fibroids, or just a “bad period,” leading to years of misdiagnosis. And because adenomyosis can’t be definitively diagnosed without imaging (or, in some cases, surgery), many women are left suffering without answers.

Symptoms That Are Too Often Ignored

Adenomyosis symptoms vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:

• Severe period pain (not just the kind you can push through)
• Extremely heavy periods (think soaking through pads/tampons in an hour)
• Chronic pelvic pain that lasts beyond your period
• Pain during sex (a big red flag that something isn’t right)
• Bloating and pelvic pressure (sometimes referred to as an “endo belly”)
• Lower back pain and digestive issues (because of inflammation)

The Overlap with Endometriosis - and Why It Matters

Adenomyosis and endometriosis often get lumped together, and while they share similarities, they are two separate conditions. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, while adenomyosis involves tissue growing into the uterine muscle. The key difference? Endometriosis is often treated with laparoscopic surgery, while adenomyosis requires a different approach - sometimes hormonal treatment, sometimes surgery, and in severe cases, a hysterectomy.

The Fertility Question: How Adenomyosis Complicates Pregnancy

While not every woman with adenomyosis struggles with fertility, the condition can make conception and pregnancy more difficult. The abnormal tissue growth can interfere with embryo implantation, create a hostile uterine environment, and even increase the risk of miscarriage. Yet, many women don’t find out they have adenomyosis until they face unexplained infertility. This lack of awareness is a huge issue - one that demands more research, better diagnostic tools, and more transparent conversations in the medical community.

The Lack of Awareness and Research

Despite affecting millions of women worldwide, adenomyosis remains largely unstudied and underfunded. While endometriosis is finally getting some well-deserved recognition, adenomyosis still lingers in the shadows. Many doctors still don’t fully understand the condition, leading to delayed or incorrect diagnoses. The result? Women are being dismissed, left without answers, or given treatment options that don’t actually help.

Why We Need to Speak Up

Women’s health has been put on the back burner for too long, and adenomyosis is just another example of that. It’s time for more research, more awareness, and more funding. No one should have to suffer in silence or be dismissed when they say their pain is unbearable. If you suspect you have adenomyosis, advocate for yourself. Push for imaging, seek second opinions, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s “just a bad period.”