Adenomyosis has similar symptoms to several other disorders, and it is only recently that the condition could be diagnosed without performing a complete hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and examination of the uterus. The condition is still frequently only incidentally diagnosed, as a result of hysterectomy or other uterine surgery. Now, adenomyosis can be diagnosed with the help of an x-ray and radioactive dye, which can show pockets of contrasting shades where the endometrium penetrates the uterine wall. This test, though sometimes helpful, is not always conclusive. Another technique that can be helpful is high-resolution transvaginal ultrasound (an ultrasound performed from inside the vagina).If a diagnosis has been made but there are no symptoms, it is not always necessary to treat adenomyosis. If adenomyosis causes heavy or painful menstruation, patients may be given drugs called GnRH agonists, which create hormonal conditions similar to menopause, and allow anemic patients to recover. Such medications can have side effects similar to the symptoms of menopause, however, including hot flashes and weakened bones, and can interfere with fertility after several months of use. More invasive treatments include endometrial ablation (the removal of the lining of the uterus) and hysterectomy, and can result in infertility when performed.
