The endometrium in adenomyosis

Abstract

The observation has long been reported of direct continuity between the eutopic and the ectopic endometrial glands in adenomyosis. Recent evidence point to the existence of differences between the endometrium in adenomyosis compared to control endometrium including increased ‘invasiveness’ in adenomyosis. Differences were also reported between the eutopic endometrium in adenomyosis and endometriosis. However, almost all published literature suffers from methodological weaknesses including inadequate control for cycle phase and symptoms. This calls for caution when interpreting the findings or drawing conclusions relevant to the pathophysiology of adenomyosis.