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Adenomyosis is a painful condition where your uterine lining grows into your uterus muscle. It’s similar to endometriosis, which causes uterine tissues to grow outside your uterus. If you have adenomyosis, you likely have long, heavy, painful periods that can interfere with your daily life. Additionally, you may experience inflammation, chronic pelvic pain, and severe cramping. [1] X Research source While adenomyosis typically requires life-long management, you may be able to use natural, herbal treatments and home remedies to relieve your pain and heavy periods.
Steps
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Soak in a warm bath for 30 minutes to relieve your pain. Fill your bathtub with water that’s slightly hot but not scalding. Then, submerge your body in the water so that it covers your lower abdomen. Relax for 30 minutes to help you find relief. [2] X Research source
- The heat from the water should ease your pain and relax your lower abdomen muscles, which should help with cramping.
Tip: Add a handful of Epsom salts to your bath water because the minerals in the salts may help relieve your pain and discomfort. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Apply a warm compress or heating pad to your abdomen for 15-20 minutes. Use a warm washcloth or hot water bottle as a warm compress or set a heating pad on low. Place the compress or heating pad over your lower abdomen. Rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the heat to relieve your pain. [4] X Research source
- You can use your warm compress or heating pad throughout the day to help with the pain. However, it’s best to give your skin 30 minutes to an hour to cool down between applications.
Variation: Purchase single-use heat patches that are made for relieving menstrual pain. Open a heat patch when you’re ready to apply it. Remove the backing that covers the adhesive and press it over your abdomen. Wear it for up to 8 hours to relieve pain and cramping.
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Use NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation during your period. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and reduce inflammation, so they may help manage painful, heavy periods. For best results, begin using NSAIDs 1-2 days before your period starts and continue taking them throughout your period. Read and follow all of the directions on the product label to use them safely. [5] X Research source
- Don’t take more medication than directed, even if your pain doesn’t go away.
- Check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to take NSAIDs. Generally, it’s best to avoid NSAIDs if you have a bleeding disorder, ulcer, stomach disorder, liver damage, asthma, or aspirin allergy. [6] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
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Use relaxation techniques to release tension and help relieve pain. Holding tension in your body can worsen your pain and cramps. Additionally, stress can contribute to your adenomyosis symptoms. Relax to help improve your symptoms. Here are some strategies you may try: [7] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Meditate for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Perform progressive muscle relaxation .
- Visualize your happy place and imagine yourself relaxing there.
- Breathe in through your nose for 5 counts, hold your breath as you count to 5, then breathe out of your mouth for 5 counts. Repeat 5 times.
- Dilute 3-5 drops of a relaxing essential oil like lavender, clary sage, sweet marjoram, and sweet fennel in about 1 cup (240 mL) of carrier oil, such as jojoba, almond, or coconut oil. Smell the oil to help you relax or massage the diluted oil onto your lower abdomen. [8] X Research source
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Take a magnesium supplement to help manage PMS symptoms. Magnesium supplements may help relieve pain, cramps, bloating, and irritability caused by PMS. Purchase a magnesium supplement from your local drug store, health food store, or online. Read the label and take the supplement as directed during the week before your period and the week of your period. [9] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Check with your doctor before you take any supplements to make sure they’re safe for you.
- You may decide to take magnesium every day to help manage your symptoms. It may help relieve lower abdomen pain between periods as well.
- If you have diarrhea or loose stools, try reducing your magnesium dosage. If the symptoms continue, stop taking the supplements entirely.
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Consume ginger extract or tea to reduce pain. While it doesn’t work the same way for everyone, herbal supplements like ginger may relieve painful period cramps. Take a ginger supplement as directed on the label for an easy option. Alternatively, make ginger tea with a bagged tea or chopped fresh ginger. [10] X Research source
- If you're using fresh ginger to make tea, chop the ginger into tiny pieces and boil it in about 1 cup (240 mL) of water for 5-10 minutes. Strain out the ginger and allow the tea to cool until it’s comfortable for you to drink it.
- You can purchase a ginger supplement at a local drug store, health food store, or online.
- Check with your doctor before taking a ginger supplement to make sure it’s safe for you.
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3Have green tea or chamomile to add more antioxidants to your body. You can either drink green or chamomile tea, or you can look for herbal supplements containing their extracts. Boil 1 cup (240 ml) of water and steep your green or chamomile tea for 3–5 minutes. Enjoy your tea while it’s still hot for the best effects. Otherwise, take 1 supplement daily to help combat your symptoms. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- You can buy green tea or chamomile extract online or from your local pharmacy.
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4Swallow vitex or black cohosh extract to help relieve the pain. Look for supplements that contain either vitex or black cohosh extract at your local drugstore or online. Take one orally each day to help soothe and prevent pain due to adenomyosis. As long as you keep up a daily regimen, your symptoms shouldn’t feel as severe. [12] X Research source
- Always talk to your doctor before you start a new supplement to make sure it doesn’t have any negative interactions.
- Vitex and black cohosh work as anti-inflammatories and help reduce the pain you feel from adenomyosis.
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5Use resveratrol to help reduce the symptoms of adenomyosis. Resveratrol is a natural chemical produced by plants that has antioxidants and protects your cells from damage. Look for a resveratrol supplement and take 1 pill whenever you feel uterine pain. Continue taking the resveratrol daily to help subside the pain.
- You can buy resveratrol from your local pharmacy.
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Try acupuncture for pain if you want to try alternative treatments. While it doesn’t work for everyone, acupuncture may relieve your adenomyosis pain. Visit a licensed acupuncturist if you want an alternative pain treatment. Your acupuncturist will insert tiny needles into your skin in strategic areas to help relieve your pain. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Tell your acupuncturist that you want to treat pain and cramping from adenomyosis.
- Check your acupuncturist’s credentials. Ask them about their education, look at their certifications, and discuss their treatment experience.
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Eat an anti-inflammatory diet to help manage your symptoms. Since inflammation contributes to adenomyosis, reducing your body’s inflammatory response may help relieve your symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet is based on fresh produce and also includes lean protein, whole grains, plant oils, nuts, and seeds. Fill half of your plate with fresh vegetables or fruit at each meal. Then, add a 3-ounce (85 grams) serving of lean protein, nuts, or seeds. Complete your meal with a serving of starchy vegetables or whole grains. [14] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- Cook with olive or almond oil.
- Lean proteins include chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, egg whites, beans, and nuts.
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Consume omega-3 fatty acids 2-3 times weekly to reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory in your body, so eating them may help control your adenomyosis symptoms. Eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids 2 or 3 times a week to meet your dietary needs. Additionally, ask your doctor if you might benefit from an omega-3 supplement, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil. [15] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- Great sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, herring, nuts, seeds, plant oils, and fortified foods, like eggs, yogurt, and milk. [16] X Research source
- Check with your doctor before you take any supplements, including omega-3s.
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Cook with turmeric to possibly help control inflammation in your body. Turmeric is an herb that may reduce inflammation in your body, although curcumin, the effective ingredient in tumeric, is not readily absorbed. While it may not immediately relieve your symptoms, it might help manage your adenomyosis if you consume it regularly. Incorporate turmeric into your recipes to help reduce your inflammatory response. [17] X Trustworthy Source Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute Research center dedicated to promoting optimal health through cutting-edge nutrition research and public outreach Go to source
- For instance, you might eat turmeric 2-3 times per week.
Variation: Take a turmeric supplement if you don’t want to eat it. Check with your doctor to make sure it’s okay to take turmeric, then use it as directed on the label.
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Stop eating sugary and refined foods because they trigger inflammation. Sugar and refined foods cause an inflammatory response in your body, so they can contribute to your adenomyosis. Cut these foods out of your diet to help manage your condition. In time, your symptoms may start to improve. [18] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- When you’re eating grains, always choose whole grain products.
- Don’t eat prepared snacks, baked goods, and sweets.
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Eat red meat no more than 2-3 times per week. Unfortunately, red meat can trigger inflammation in your body. Eating red meat too often may contribute to your adenomyosis symptoms. Limit your consumption of red meat to 2-3 servings per week. [19] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- A serving of red meat is 3 ounces (85 grams).
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Limit your exposure to common endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors can alter your hormone levels. Since your hormones affect the growth of your uterine lining, these products may contribute to your adenomyosis symptoms. Change your personal care habits to avoid potential hormone disruptors. [20] X Research source
- Look for personal care products that don’t contain phthalates.
- Choose natural cleaning products.
- Make sure plastics are labeled as BPA-free.
- Don’t use flexible vinyl.
- Pick canned foods that are BPA-free.
- Stop using nonstick pots and pans and opt for cast iron instead.
- Don’t use pesticides.
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Incorporate stress relievers into your day to help manage stress hormones. Although stress is a normal part of life, too much stress can be harmful and may worsen your adenomyosis symptoms. To help you manage your stress, find coping strategies that work for you and incorporate them into your daily routine. Here are some things you might try: [21] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Talk to a friend.
- Color in an adult coloring book.
- Engage in a hobby.
- Walk in nature.
- Play with your pet.
- Meditate for 15-30 minutes.
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Exercise for 30 minutes a day to help manage your pain. Daily exercise improves your mood, which can make your pain less noticeable. Additionally, it helps relax your muscles, so it may reduce your cramping. Choose an exercise that you enjoy so it’s easy for you to keep it up. [22] X Research source
- For instance, go on a brisk walk, run, swim laps, go to a class at a gym, take a dance class, join a recreational sports team, or do kickboxing.
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See your doctor if heavy, painful periods are interfering with your life. You may be able to manage your symptoms on your own. However, sometimes adenomyosis can cause periods that are so painful and heavy that you can’t do the things you love. If this happens, your doctor may be able to help you find relief. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options that may help. [23] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- Tell your doctor how long you’ve been experiencing painful, heavy periods, as well as what you’ve done to relieve your discomfort.
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Consider taking hormonal birth control to help manage your periods. Hormonal birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) may help reduce the growth of uterine tissue outside your uterus and could reduce the severity of your periods. If you’re not trying to conceive a child soon, ask your doctor if hormonal birth control may be a good treatment option for you. Then, take your medication as directed. [24] X Research source
- Hormonal birth control pills may cause side effects like sore breasts, vaginal dryness, spotting between periods, weight gain, headache, and pain or swelling in your legs. They also increase your risk of having a blood clot, chest pain, heart attack, or stroke. [25] X Research source
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Talk to your doctor about hormone supplements if nothing else helps. Your hormones trigger the growth of your uterine tissues, so balancing your hormones may help manage adenomyosis. Discuss this option with your doctor to find out if it may be right for you. If so, use your hormones as directed by your doctor. [26] X Research source
- Hormone therapy may increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, and breast cancer. [27] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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4Ask your doctor about bio-identical progesterone cream. Progesterone is a naturally produced hormone by your body to help regulate your menstrual cycle. Consult with your doctor to see if they think progesterone treatment is right for you. Your doctor may check the levels you produce in your body before prescribing a topical cream. Follow your doctor’s instructions on dosing and where to apply the cream to help alleviate your symptoms. [28] X Research source
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Consider a hysterectomy if adenomyosis is interfering with your life. Getting a hysterectomy isn’t the first line of treatment for adenomyosis, but it’s the only way to cure it before menopause. During a hysterectomy, a surgeon will remove your uterus, so your body will no longer make uterine tissue. Discuss this option with your doctor if you don’t want to get pregnant and want full relief from your symptoms. [29] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- A hysterectomy is a sterilizing procedure, so you won’t be able to have children any longer.
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Tips
- Generally, adenomyosis is a manageable condition, so keep trying different treatments until you find what works for you. [30] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Tell your doctor about all of the supplements you’re taking. Don’t combine supplements without getting your doctor’s advice because they can interact with each other. [31] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.brighamandwomens.org/obgyn/infertility-reproductive-surgery/cysts-and-fibroids/fibroid-line-conditions-adenomyosis-and-endometrial-polyps
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstruation-pain-dysmenorrhoea
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/menstrual-cramps-can-cope-monthly-pain/
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstruation-pain-dysmenorrhoea
- ↑ https://utswmed.org/medblog/period-pain-no-hysterectomy/
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Dysmenorrhea-Painful-Periods?IsMobileSet=false
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Dysmenorrhea-Painful-Periods?IsMobileSet=false
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/aromatherapy
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d04414a1#d04414a1-Header
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637095/
- ↑ https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4767-acupuncture
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-fish-oil-supplements-reduce-inflammation
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/
- ↑ https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/curcumin
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-foods-that-can-cause-inflammation/
- ↑ https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//210-090E_BPAandPhthalates.pdf
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
- ↑ https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2015/july/management-of-persistent-pelvic-pain-in-girls-and
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001513.htm
- ↑ https://utswmed.org/medblog/period-pain-no-hysterectomy/
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/birth-control-pill-side-effects
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/birth-control-pill-side-effects
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15245-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms
- ↑ https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2015/july/management-of-persistent-pelvic-pain-in-girls-and
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001513.htm
- ↑ https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-services/gynaecology/adenomyosis
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/herbal-medicine
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