Tiktoker Ajib Gathoni has been diagnosed with Adenomyosis.

The diagnosis was made months after she underwent several tests.

Taking to her social media she shared

" I was diagnosed with Adenomyosis - this is a condition where cells from the uterus lining grow into the uterus muscle. Okay this is not harmful per se but it’s the one that causes the heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding and the severe cramping. So for starters I was given medication which i’m supposed to take days before my period and the days of as well. My next appointment is in October and I’m supposed to go back with feedback. Ma’am i’m still in mad pain"

According to John Hopkins Medicine

Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes adenomyosis, but risk factors may include:

• Age: Most women with adenomyosis are in their later childbearing years, between 35 and 50. The major symptoms of adenomyosis go away after menopause.
• Childbirth: Many women with adenomyosis have given birth to more than one child. Endometrial tissue could invade the myometrium when an embryo implants in the uterine wall. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
• Previous surgeries: Studies suggest that prior uterine surgeries, such as caesarean section or dilation and curettage (D&C), could make adenomyosis more likely. Research is ongoing about this risk factor.

Adenomyosis Symptoms

Adenomyosis symptoms may include:

• Enlarged uterus
• Feelings of abdominal bloating, fullness or heaviness
• Heavy bleeding during periods (menorrhagia)
• Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic pain
• Severe cramps during periods (dysmenorrhea)

Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis vs. Uterine Fibroids

Adenomyosis, endometriosis and uterine fibroids are all disorders of the female reproductive tract. They cause very similar symptoms, so it is easy to confuse them. However, they are different conditions that require different treatments.

• Adenomyosis occurs when diffuse (spread out) endometrial tissue grows into the wall of the uterus.
• Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. It might grow on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina or intestines.
• Uterine fibroids are caused by benign tumors (solid masses of cells that aren’t cancerous) that grow on different parts of the uterus.

Adenomyosis Complications

Women who bleed very heavily during their menstrual periods are at increased risk of anemia. Anemia develops when blood loss results in too few red blood cells in the body, so tissues don’t receive enough oxygen. Anemia can lead to:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath