April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month.
At Endometriosis Australia, we’re amplifying the voices of those affected by this often-overlooked condition during Adenomyosis Awareness Month.
What is Adenomyosis?
It is a condition of the uterus that is diagnosed when there are glands and supporting structures of the endometrium found inside the muscular layers of the uterus. It is a common cause of pain and abnormal bleeding in women and its features often overlap the symptoms of endometriosis and in fact the two may co-exist in the same woman. Read more about adenomyosis here.
Why Awareness Matters?
This month, we have been sharing real and powerful stories on our social platforms to illuminate lived experiences and explain why raising awareness is vital.
Natalie’s Story
Diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis and adenomyosis at just 21, Natalie began experiencing symptoms much earlier. From age 16, she sought answers for severe period pain, stabbing backaches, and heavy bleeding—often dismissed as “just side effects of the pill.” She also manages Hashimoto’s disease. A laparoscopy in early 2023 brought some relief, but years of feeling unheard and misdiagnosed have left a lasting impact. Now based in Sydney, Natalie is sharing her story to advocate for earlier diagnosis and greater recognition of adenomyosis.
Madi’s Journey
Madi, 29, lives with stage IV deep infiltrating endometriosis and adenomyosis—a journey that’s painful, complex, and all too common. Her first period came at just 10 years old, with pain so severe she thought it couldn’t be normal. By 13, she’d already had surgery for ovarian cysts, but her ongoing symptoms were repeatedly dismissed. Over the years, she was told to “go on the pill,” “get a Mirena,” or “just have a baby”—but never offered real answers. At 25, her pain became debilitating. A surgery confirmed endo, but there was no meaningful follow-up. By 2024, Madi was collapsing from pain and emotionally exhausted. While trying to conceive, her body continued to shut down. A new specialist finally listened—diagnosing stage IV endo and adenomyosis. Since then, Madi has undergone multiple surgeries, including two in just six months. She’s now preparing for IVF and sharing her story to raise awareness for others still searching for answers.
Shannen’s Path
Shannen, 31, was diagnosed with adenomyosis in 2022 during her third laparoscopy for stage 4 endometriosis. She paused IVF for surgery—what was meant to be a day procedure became a four-day hospital stay due to unexpected complications. Post-op, she underwent three months of Zoladex, which brought difficult side effects, but eventually allowed her to resume IVF and conceive her now 18-month-old son. Her symptoms returned three months postpartum, despite full-time breastfeeding. Though the bleeding is now managed with a combination of the pill and Primolut, bloating and pain persist. Shannen is now considering a hysterectomy—but the decision feels heavy and final. She shares her story to shed light on the long, uncertain road so many with adenomyosis face.
Sherridan’s Experience
Sherridan, 28, has both endometriosis and adenomyosis—conditions that have shaped her life since her first period at age 11. By 12, she needed surgery to remove an ovarian cyst the size of a baseball. Despite ongoing pain, she was told for years that it was “all in her head.” After a long journey of medical gaslighting, she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis at 19 during surgery to remove scar tissue and fibroids. Sherridan is a proud mum to two young boys, but after the birth of her second son, her pain worsened significantly. Once again, her symptoms were brushed off as “just ovulation” or “just period pain.” She paid out of pocket for countless ultrasounds before finally receiving an adenomyosis diagnosis late last year.
Sherridan now lives with daily pain, recently spending four days bedridden. Over the past two years, she has also experienced two miscarriages and two chemical pregnancies. Despite asking for a hysterectomy, she’s been told she’s “too young” or that “we don’t do hysterectomies anymore.” The cost of care, long public waitlists, and the inaccessibility of private specialists have left her without options. Sherridan is speaking out because, as she puts it, “living like this is debilitating and affects my career and quality of life.”
Let’s keep the conversation going.
These stories, raw and unfiltered, serve as a reminder: adenomyosis is not a fleeting discomfort, but a very real, chronic, and life-limiting condition. Beyond the statistics lie the lived experiences of countless women, grappling with debilitating pain and emotional turmoil. This Adenomyosis Awareness Month, Endometriosis Australia encourages everyone to listen, learn, and advocate. It’s time to stop dismissing women’s pain—and start making change.
How you can help
- Share this post to help others recognise signs
- Support research and awareness – follow Endometriosis Australia, donate, or participate in research studies
- Join our community – connect with others
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