Adenomyosis diagnosed at 46 and considering hysterectomy
Hello everyone,
I’m 46 years old and had 3 vaginal births at 25, 27 and 29. I’ve always had irregular cycles, but things started getting worse around my mid-30s.
For the past 5–6 years, it has become completely unmanageable. Between periods and spotting, I’ve been bleeding about 50% of the time. I’ve also kept gaining weight despite exercising a lot and being very careful with my diet, and my stomach is constantly bloated.
My gynecologist first prescribed a treatment he was absolutely convinced would work. It did nothing. Then, two years ago, he performed the Novasure procedure and again was certain it would solve the problem. It changed absolutely nothing.
I had no explanation for what was happening to me. At this point, I bleed around 60% of the time and look about four months pregnant because of the bloating.
My doctor recently retired, and I met his replacement three days ago. It took her three questions and five minutes to diagnose me with adenomyosis. She did an ultrasound and even told me she expected the imaging to look worse considering how severe my symptoms are.
She mentioned a hysterectomy (uterus + cervix + tubes), but before that we are trying one last pill. My new doctor had very little hope it would help, but honestly, I had already started bleeding again and it stopped after the very first pill.
I’m still taking time to process the possibility of a hysterectomy. The Novasure procedure itself went fine, but afterward I was swollen for weeks, on top of the bleeding. I couldn’t fit into my clothes anymore and I felt miserable and very alone.
I would love to get rid of the bleeding, but also this constant bloating and water retention. And if it could improve my energy levels too, that would honestly feel life-changing.
Right now, I’m very bitter that this diagnosis wasn’t made earlier, but also deeply grateful to finally have an answer.
Even though adenomyosis is not considered a “serious” disease, it has had a huge impact on my quality of life for years. I really need some hope right now.
Would any of you be willing to share your experiences? Especially regarding recovery after hysterectomy, bloating, or any other symptoms.
Thank you all so much ♥️