How to Deal with Adenomyosis?

Periods are a way of life for a woman. However, certain medical conditions can make it painful, exhausting and a monthly dread!

Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced tissue continues normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle. An enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods can result. 

There appears to be a strong link with the overproduction of estrogen and adenomyosis. Adenomyoma are estrogen dependent and women with adenomyosis should avoid estrogen of all types .

 Naturally occuring  phytoestrogens]- may include soy, flax seeds, dried fruit, sesame seeds, garlic, peaches, berries, bran, cruciferous vegetables. However, some phytoestrogens have also been found to reduce risk of breast cancer. So having a small quantity is OK.

 It is therefore the synthetic chemicals that must be absolutely avoided such as plastic food containers, bottles, wrapping material…Even at low levels, estrogen mimicking chemicals can come from beverage bottles and food containers.

A healthy diet should include-

Fruits and Vegetables of different colors.

Whole grains, Pulses, Beans, Nuts- Rice (especially brown), barley, millet, oatmeal, nuts (almonds, cashew, hazelnuts, walnuts), seeds (pumpkin, chia), beans (mixed varieties including pinto, broad, kidney etc), quinoa, couscous and lentils[ dals].

Herbs and Spices- Basil, caraway, cinnamon, dill, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage and thyme, turmeric.

As heavy bleeding could lead to anemia, iron rich foods should be had with a source of Vit C- like green leafy vegs with tomato or lemon juice. 

Most of these foods are also anti inflammatory and hence help to mitigate the symptoms.

Compared with normal and underweight women, overweight and obese women had increased adenomyosis risk. Conversely, anemia in adenomyosis can lead to fatigue and therefore less physical activity leading to weight gain. 

Get moving! There is nothing better for boosting serotonin than physical activity. Serotonin literally makes people feel happier. Just remember that with adenomyosis heavy physical activity may not be feasible, but walking, cycling, light morning exercises or yoga could do wonders.

Physiotherapy management in adenomyosis involves the general pelvic floor management which includes the Kegels and Tailor’s Exercises that can help in alleviating pain.

It’s recommended to sleep at least 8 hours a day and fall asleep no later than 10 pm, if possible. Falling asleep between 10 pm and midnight is beneficial for better quality of sleep.

For 30 mins before bedtime, do some stress busting activity- read a book, paint, music…..So you are relaxed and get a good night’s sleep!

Deepa Kamath
Senior Dietician/ Health Coach- Navitae