Herbal remedies for adenomyosis: what to know

Adenomyosis occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows into the muscular wall of the womb. It may cause heavy or prolonged periods, painful periods, pelvic pain, pressure or difficulty with everyday activities. The symptoms can overlap with fibroids, endometriosis and other causes of bleeding, so diagnosis should not rest on a supplement trial.

Herbal products vary in ingredients and strength. They may affect bleeding, blood pressure, the liver or the action of prescribed medicines. Extra caution is needed if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, preparing for surgery or taking medicines that affect clotting.

Record bleeding, pain, clots, fatigue and the effect on work or sleep. Show every tea, capsule or tincture to a pharmacist or clinician before using it. A treatment plan may consider pain relief, bleeding control, fertility wishes and the size or position of the womb.

Options may include a hormonal coil, medicines or procedures. Depending on your goals, a clinician may discuss endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolisation or hysterectomy, explaining what each can and cannot achieve.

Seek urgent help for bleeding that rapidly soaks through protection, faintness, breathlessness, chest pain or severe worsening pelvic pain. Arrange medical review for persistent heavy periods, increasing pain, unusual bleeding between periods or symptoms of anaemia such as marked tiredness and dizziness.

How confident are we that adenomyosis explains my symptoms? Could this herb affect bleeding or my medicines? Which option fits my fertility plans? What would make a procedure appropriate?