Patients with adenomyosis often suffer from severe dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, and significantly reduced quality of life. Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, meaning that higher levels of estrogen increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Menopause is a natural phenomenon in the female reproductive system, typically occurring between 45 and 55. During menopause, the ovaries gradually decline in function, estrogen levels drop, and menstruation eventually ceases.

For women severely affected by adenomyosis who do not wish to conceive, inducing early menopause can sometimes be an option to alleviate symptoms and prevent disease progression. But how can adenomyosis patients induce early menopause?

Common Methods to Induce Early Menopause:

1. Medical Intervention

Medication can be used to suppress ovarian function and regulate hormone levels, thereby alleviating symptoms and accelerating the onset of menopause.

Patients can take combined oral contraceptives containing low doses of estrogen and progestin to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce adenomyosis symptoms. 

In some cases, doctors may recommend long-term use of these contraceptives to simulate an early menopausal state. However, these medications are not suitable for all adenomyosis patients, especially those with a history of thromboembolic disorders, breast diseases, or other contraindications.

2. Surgical Treatment

Surgery can also induce early menopause. One such procedure is a total hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed, resulting in the cessation of menstruation, termed iatrogenic menopause.

For patients with severe symptoms, those who do not respond to medical treatment, or those with other gynecological conditions, a total hysterectomy (with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) is the most definitive treatment. Post-surgery, due to the loss of ovarian function, the patient immediately enters menopause.

While surgical treatment can quickly induce menopause and alleviate adenomyosis symptoms, it carries certain risks and complications, such as infertility, endocrine disorders, and accelerated aging.

Additionally, some women do not experience symptom relief post-menopause and may encounter more health issues with age. Therefore, inducing artificial menopause is generally not recommended. Patients should carefully weigh the pros and cons when choosing a treatment method.

Does Early Menopause Guarantee a Cure for Adenomyosis?

While inducing early menopause can alleviate the symptoms of adenomyosis, it may also lead to issues such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and urinary symptoms.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Post-menopausal adenomyosis patients may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, which can manifest as cyclical menstrual-like bleeding or irregular vaginal bleeding. It may also include the discharge of brown or bloody secretions.

Lower Abdominal Pain: Post-menopausal adenomyosis patients may also experience symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, back pain, and lumbar pain. The severity and nature of the pain may vary, but they all hurt the patient's everyday life and work.

Urinary Urgency and Frequency: Post-menopausal adenomyosis patients may experience symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence, which are caused by the pressure exerted by the diseased uterus on the bladder. 

Prompt medical attention is necessary if patients experience these symptoms to prevent further worsening of the condition.

Optimal Treatment Approaches

A more effective treatment for adenomyosis involves early intervention with Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as Fuyan Pill. This approach can effectively eliminate gynecological inflammation, alleviate symptoms like dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and restore normal uterine function.

For patients with adenomyosis seeking relief from their condition, early menopause is not the only option. Patients receiving timely treatment with Fuyan Pill can significantly improve symptoms and enhance quality of life.

Additionally, post-menopausal patients with adenomyosis should not assume that the condition will resolve naturally. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor for potential complications, including the risk of malignancy.

Maintaining an optimistic attitude is crucial. Emotional well-being supports the proper functioning of the immune system, which can expedite recovery from the disease.

Recommended Readings:

How Long Should I Take Short-acting Contraceptive Pills for Adenomyosis?

Can Patients with Adenomyosis Undergo Normal Menopause?

Can Adenomyosis be Left Untreated Just Because You Are Approaching Menopause?