Little-known common condition as the NHS warn bloating could be key symptom

The NHS is urging individuals to consult their GP if they have experienced bloating for a number of weeks. The health service indicates that persistent bloating, particularly over a three-week period, could be indicative of a condition such as Adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis is characterised by the growth of the womb's lining into the muscular wall of the womb. While there is no cure, treatments are available to alleviate symptoms.

What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?

There are a number of symptoms you need to be aware of. However whilst some may have some - or all - of the symptoms, others have none at all.

Some symptoms of adenomyosis affect your periods, such as:

• painful periods
• heavy bleeding during your period

Other symptoms can happen any time in your menstrual cycle, such as:

• pelvic pain (pain in the lower part of your tummy)
• bloating, heaviness or fullness in your tummy (abdomen)
• pain during sex

While they may sound similar, it's important to recognize that adenomyosis and endometriosis are distinct conditions. The latter, which is also quite common, involves tissue akin to the womb's lining growing in other locations, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. You can read all about endometriosis here.

When should I see a GP?

The NHS say you should see a GP if:

• your periods become more painful, heavier or irregular
• you have pain during sex
• heavy periods are affecting your life or you've had them for some time
• you've been feeling bloated for a while (about 3 weeks)
• you bleed between periods or after sex

What will happen at my GP appointment?

If you show signs of adenomyosis, your GP might inquire about your menstrual history and conduct an abdominal examination to detect any swelling or tenderness. You can request a female doctor when booking your appointment.

The doctor might also perform an internal examination to check your vagina and cervix, the channel leading from the vagina to the uterus. You have the right to have someone accompany you during the examination, be it a companion, family member, or a staff member.

For some cases, additional diagnostic tests might be required to identify the cause of your symptoms or to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as endometriosis. These tests could include an ultrasound or MRI scan.

Should I call 999?

You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if your pelvic pain or period pain is severe or worse than usual, and painkillers have not helped

What are the treatments for adenomyosis?

If you’re diagnosed with adenomyosis, there are treatments that can help ease your symptoms. Treatments include:

• the IUS (intrauterine system, also called Mirena or hormonal coil), which thins the womb lining, making your periods lighter and less painful
• other types of hormonal contraception if you cannot or do not want to have an IUS, such as the progestogen-only pill, the combined pill or the contraceptive patch
• medicines such as tranexamic acid or NSAIDs

If these treatments do not work, you may need surgery. This could be a hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the lining of your womb (endometrial ablation).

How can I ease my symptoms of adenomyosis?

There are a number of things you can do to help with period pain or pelvic pain caused by adenomyosis. This includes:

• use a heat pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel on your tummy

• try a TENS machine – a small device that uses mild electrical impulses to reduce pain

• take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen