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Uterine Fibroids vs Adenomyosis: The Real Cause of Severe Menstrual Pain?

Do you suffer from monthly menstrual pain that interferes with your daily life and worry if there's something wrong with your uterus? When diagnosed with 'uterine fibroids' or 'adenomyosis' at a hospital, many are confused by the similar names. While both conditions cause severe pain and heavy bleeding, their causes, patterns, and Korean medicine treatment approaches differ significantly.

💡 [Key Answer] The 3 most common differences between fibroids and adenomyosis: ① Location (uterine muscle vs. endometrial tissue infiltration) ② Form (distinct lumps vs. diffuse thickening) ③ Main symptoms (asymptomatic/bleeding vs. severe pain/heavy periods) Dalimchae Clinic fundamentally improves the uterine environment through constitutional improvement to prevent recurrence.

Both are benign conditions occurring inside the uterus and are very common. However, they are distinct diseases with different characteristics.

• Uterine fibroids are benign tumors formed by abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells. They usually grow as solid lumps. Symptoms include heavy periods, irregular bleeding, and pelvic pressure, though many cases are asymptomatic.

• Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue invades the uterine muscle layer. It causes the entire uterine wall to thicken (diffuse thickening) rather than forming a distinct lump. It causes extreme menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and often leads to anemia.

Yes, severe pain and heavy bleeding are representative symptoms of both. In fibroids, submucosal types near the lining cause heavy bleeding, while larger ones can press on the bladder or rectum. Adenomyosis typically involves more extreme pain due to inflammatory reactions within the muscle layer.

We see them as results of uterine environment imbalances such as 'stagnant blood (Eo-hyeol)', 'phlegm (Dam-eum)', and 'qi stagnation (Gi-che)'. We focus on restoring the body's natural healing power by improving circulation and balancing hormones.

Clinical research published in 『Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice』 (2018) showed that after 3 months of herbal treatment, adenomyosis patients' pain index (VAS) decreased significantly from 7.4 to 3.2 (p<0.001). Another study in 『Journal of Ethnopharmacology』 (2021) reported an average 20% reduction in fibroid size (p<0.01) after 6 months of herbal formulation.

While Western medicine often approaches with surgery or hormones, many worry about recurrence or side effects. Dalimchae's constitutional improvement treatment aims to create a body environment where symptoms don't return, rather than just temporarily masking pain.

At our Songdo branch, we provide customized herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion to dissolve stagnant blood, promote circulation, and inhibit abnormal growth, restoring the uterus's self-healing capacity.

Symptom Checklist (If 3+ apply, consultation is recommended)

1. Menstrual pain worsening and unbearable without painkillers.
2. Abnormally heavy bleeding.
3. Irregular bleeding between periods.
4. Chronic lower abdominal discomfort.
5. Heavy pain in the lower back or pelvis.
6. Hard, bulging lower abdomen.
7. Frequent urination or bowel discomfort.
8. Dizziness, fatigue, and anemia symptoms.

3+ items: Uterine imbalance suspected. 5+ items: Immediate diagnosis and treatment recommended.

Q. Can fibroids heal naturally? A. Some small fibroids may shrink after menopause, but most worsen. Expert management is important. Q. Can adenomyosis be treated with Korean medicine? A. Yes, we focus on pain relief and inhibiting progression by improving the uterine environment. Q. Are these related to infertility? A. Yes, depending on size/location, they can interfere with implantation. Q. Can both be treated together? A. Yes, we address the common root cause of uterine imbalance.

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Medical Supervision | Dalimchae Songdo, Dr. Oh Hyunmin