Adenomyosis: review of the literature

Adenomyosis usually occurs in women in their reproductive years, predominantly in those with menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. The etiology and pathophysiology remain unclear; however, recent advancements in diagnostic methods and new investigations of treatment options have changed how clinicians manage adenomyosis. A review was performed using PubMed and cross-references of reviews, case reports, and prospective and retrospective studies published from 1958 to 2010 to provide an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, prevalence, risk factors, clinical signs and symptoms, and treatments of adenomyosis.