What is adenomyosis?

Benign condition: Adenomyosis is a benign condition in which the glands that normally line the uterus implant within the walls of the uterus. When the uterine lining normally thickens and bleeds each cycle, those glands also thicken and bleed. This leads to excessively heavy and painful periods. The walls of uterus may become swollen, globular, and spongy.

Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is an invasion of the muscle fibers in the uterus (womb) by lining cells of the uterine cavity (endometrium). This can cause very heavy periods, since the uterine muscle cannot contract well at the time of the menstrual cycle, as well as significant lower abdominal pain with menstrual contractions. The treatment is usually surgical or oral birth control (if no contraindications).

Uterus: Adenomyosis refers to a disorder in which endometrial glands and stroma are present within the musculature of the uterus. The ectopic endometrial tissue induces hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the surrounding muscle tissue, resulting in a globular enlargement of the uterus. The most common symptoms are heavy menstrual bleeding and painful menses. Chronic pelvic pain can occur.

Uterine thickening: The general term means that there is the abnormal presence of glandular tissue in muscle. Most often, this term is used by doctors when referring to a condition specific to women who have uterine thickening. Here's a helpful link: http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0002481/.