What if you experience menstrual pain you have never had before in your life and your menstrual flow increases excessively?
Obstetrics and gynecology specialists recommend suspecting 'Jajungsamgeunjeung' (adenomyosis) in such cases.
The uterus, a female reproductive organ where the fertilized egg implants and grows, is divided into the cervix, myometrium, and endometrium. Jajungsamgeunjeung is known as a condition in which the endometrium, which forms the inner lining of the uterus, invades the myometrium composed of muscle cells.
If the invaded tissue occurs extensively throughout the uterus or is concentrated on the anterior and posterior walls, the uterus itself enlarges, causing strong uterine contractions and severe menstrual pain.
As the uterus enlarges, the endometrium increases, leading to heavier menstrual flow, and blood accumulated within the muscle layer is discharged, prolonging the menstrual period. Additionally, symptoms such as dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain may appear.
The exact cause of Jajungsamgeunjeung has not yet been identified. Fifty percent of patients are asymptomatic, and symptoms usually appear from one week before menstruation begins until it ends, mainly in women over 35 years old in the late reproductive phase.
Dr. Kim Byung-su, head of the Uterine Fibroid Center at Daedong Hospital, said, “Uterine fibroids, benign tumors commonly known to occur inside the uterus, can be confirmed by ultrasound, but Jajungsamgeunjeung has unclear boundaries, making differentiation difficult. Therefore, it is important to be diagnosed by an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with extensive clinical experience.”
He added, “Although it may vary depending on the location, unlike uterine fibroids where only the fibroids are removed to preserve the uterus, Jajungsamgeunjeung often makes it difficult to remove only the lesions due to unclear boundaries. Since these two conditions are distinctly different diseases, it is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis early and proceed with treatment appropriate for the disease.”
Treatment varies depending on the patient's age, desire for pregnancy, and symptoms. If asymptomatic or symptoms are mild, or if menopause is near, taking painkillers without other treatments usually does not cause significant problems.
However, if symptoms are severe and interfere with daily life or if pregnancy is not desired, surgical treatment to remove the uterus can be considered. Recently, most surgeries are performed using laparoscopic techniques, resulting in relatively short recovery times, less pain, fewer adhesions, and quicker return to daily activities.
For those wishing to preserve the uterus or planning pregnancy, drug therapies such as oral contraceptives, hormones, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Non-surgical treatments like medication may have temporary effects and a high rate of recurrence.
Since uterine diseases can be asymptomatic, regular check-ups are necessary to monitor uterine health and avoid missing the appropriate treatment period. If uncomfortable symptoms occur, it is better to visit an obstetrics and gynecology clinic to check the health of the uterus rather than endure them out of embarrassment.
Additionally, for uterine health, it is recommended to ▲exercise regularly ▲maintain an appropriate weight ▲quit smoking ▲avoid alcohol ▲reduce intake of meat and sugars ▲consume vegetables and fruits ▲avoid refined carbohydrates ▲get quality sleep ▲and refrain from folk remedies such as health juices.
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