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The differences between endo, PCOS and Adenomyosis

 



While I usually only talk about endometriosis here on my blog, I decided that I wanted to spread awareness on two other conditions that you can have as well as endometriosis, and that’s PCOS (polycystic overt syndrome) and Adenomyosis. 


Before I start, let’s go over what each one is. 


Google defines endometriosis as A disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.

With endometriosis, the tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the intestines. But it can grow anywhere. 


Google defines adenomyosis as A condition in which endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the uterine wall.

Adenomyosis most often occurs late in childbearing years and typically disappears after menopause


Google defines PCOS as A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.

The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn't well understood but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.


So now that we know what they are, what are the differences aside from the obvious? 


Endometriosis and Adenomyosis are both conditions where the tissue that lines the uterus are present at a higher and abnormal rate to people without the condition, but they show symptoms quite differently, but they can also share some of the same symptoms. 


In adenomyosis, endometrial cells grow within the muscles of the uterus. These misplaced cells follow the menstrual cycle, bleeding monthly. The uterus wall thickens and may cause pain and heavy bleeding.


In endometriosis, the endometrial-like cells grow outside the uterus. The tissue is commonly found on the ovaries, supporting ligaments of the uterus, and in the cavities of the pelvis. There they follow the menstrual cycle, bleeding monthly.


You can have both of these conditions at the same time. A 2017 study of 300 women diagnosed with adenomyosis between 2008 and 2016 found that 42.3 per cent also had endometriosis.


Both conditions are very common, but less is known about the prevalence of adenomyosis because it hasn’t been studied as extensively. It’s also more difficult to diagnose.


The common symptoms from Adenomyosis are 

  • painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
  • painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • chronic pelvic pain
  • abnormal bleeding (metrorrhagia) or prolonged periods
  • infertility
  • an enlarged uterus

The common symptoms of endometriosis are


Endometriosis

  • painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
  • painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • painful bowel movements (dyschezia)
  • painful urination (dysuria)
  • pelvic pain
  • fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea, especially during your period


As you can tell, a lot are similar, and both can be managed and treated the same, but the one difference is a hysterectomy can actually “cure” adenomyosis because the tissue is confined to the uterus, unlike endometriosis. 


When it comes to PCOS, things take a different turn 


Again you can have PCOS on top of endometriosis and adenomyosis. I feel for those who suffer from two or all three of the conditions I am talking about today because the pain and struggle must be really difficult. 


Endometriosis and PCOS share some symptoms, including heavy bleeding and difficulty getting pregnant. But most of the symptoms are different.


Some of the common symptoms of PCOS are:

  • heavy bleeding
  • Irregular periods
  • Missed periods
  • Pelvic pain
  • Excess body hair
  • Hair loss
  • Difficulty getting pregnant 
  • Acne
  • Oily skin
  • Dark thickened hair
  • Weight gain
  • Bleeding without ovulation


A 2017 study found that PCOS affects 5 to 20 per cent of women of childbearing age. The same study also found that about 80 per cent of women who are experiencing infertility due to lack of ovulation have PCOS.


Please note that not all women with PCOS will have polycystic ovaries, and not all women with ovarian cysts have PCOS.


In my research, I couldn’t find much about PCOS, which I found really interesting because I had heard a lot more about PCOS growing up than any other condition. 


Thank you for reading today's blog post. 

I hope you found out something you didn’t know before about these conditions, and I hope in the future there is more research into all of them so we can all get the help we need. 

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