Endometriosis, Adenomyosis & PCOS - what is what!

Despite these 3 diseases usually going hand in hand together they do display different symptoms/cures. It is possible that you can have one, two or all 3 diseases at once (this is extremely common). It is important to research and discuss all of these diseases with your specialist so you have all the information to manage your health journey.

Endometriosis (Endo for short):

  • Definition: Endometriosis is when body tissue (similar to the lining of the uterus) grows in other parts of the body. 1 in 7 women/people assigned female at birth (AFAB) in Australia suffer from Endometriosis.
  • Common locations: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus and other pelvic organs. Endo has however been found on every major organ of the human body.
  • Symptoms (each person will vary):
    • Severe pelvic pain, especially during menstruation.  The pain is often described by sufferers as feeling like they are being stabbed, a throbbing sensation or burning from the inside. It can even be so severe that it impacts daily life, affecting work, relationships, and mental well-being. 
    • Pain during intercourse
    • Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
    • Infertility
    • Fatigue
    • Lower back pain
    • Headaches
    • Painful bowel movements or urination during periods
  • Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but possible factors include retrograde menstruation, genetic predisposition, immune system disorders and hormonal imbalances.
  • Diagnosis: Laparoscopy with a confirmed biopsy (surgical procedure) is the only way to diagnosis Endo however your health professional will likely conduct pelvic exams, imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs before surgery.
  • Treatment: Pain management (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (birth control pills, GnRH agonists), surgical removal of lesions, health/lifestyle changes and complementary therapies like acupuncture.

Adenomyosis (Adeno for short):

  • Definition: A condition where the endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium).
  • Symptoms (each person will vary):
    • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
    • Severe menstrual cramps and pelvic pain
    • Chronic pelvic pain
    • Enlarged and tender uterus
    • Pain during intercourse
  • Causes: The exact cause is unclear, but potential factors include invasive tissue growth, uterine inflammation related to childbirth or uterine surgery.
  • Diagnosis: Biopsy of the uterus after hysterectomy surgery. In some cases MRI, transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic exams.
  • Treatment: NSAIDs, hormonal treatments (birth control pills, IUDs), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in severe cases and health/lifestyle changes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS for short):

  • Definition: A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with cysts on the outer edges.
  • Symptoms (each person will vary):
    • Irregular or absent menstrual periods
    • Excess androgen levels (resulting in hirsutism, acne, and male-pattern baldness)
    • Polycystic ovaries (enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts)
    • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
    • Insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes
    • Infertility
    • Debilitating pain
  • Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but factors include excess insulin, low-grade inflammation, hereditary factors, and excess androgen production.
  • Diagnosis: Blood tests (to measure hormone levels), pelvic ultrasound, and assessment of symptoms.
  • Treatment: Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), hormonal contraceptives to regulate menstrual cycles, anti-androgen medications, fertility treatments and medications for insulin resistance (like metformin).

Key differences:

  • Location of tissue growth:

    • Endometriosis: Outside the uterus/found on every major organ of the body.
    • Adenomyosis: Within the uterine muscle.
    • PCOS: Ovaries with cysts.

  • Primary symptoms:

    • Endometriosis: Debilitating pain throughout the body, especially during menstruation and infertility.
    • Adenomyosis: Heavy menstrual bleeding and severe cramps in the pelvic region/lower back.
  • PCOS: Irregular periods, excess androgen symptoms (hirsutism, acne), and insulin resistance.

Understanding these differences helps in accurately diagnosing and managing each condition effectively. Always consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan to you.

PLEASE NOTE: The Endo Essentials company takes no responsibility for your diagnosis, tailoring your treatment/plan, we do not claim to be doctors and strongly recommend seeking medical advice from a Health Physician to treat your symptoms. We write these blogs purely based on the evidence provided at the current time and try our best to keep these blogs as up to date as possible. 

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