I had a pelvic MRI with and without contrast and was determined that I have it due to the thickening in the posterior wall of the uterus (junctional zone) being larger than 12 mm. On average, it should range from 5 to 8 mm in normal, healthy non-pregnant women. I did not realize I even had symptoms till after I had lumbar fusion surgery last year. I assumed my lower back and hip pain was from the disc herniation and what made me go to several doctors until I found one that would listen was I had a constant burning, throbbing and stabbing pain in the left side of my uterus that just would not go away.
My doctor then told me the other symptoms that I was experiencing (severe cramps during my period, heavy bleeding, irritable bowl symptoms (which are sometimes painful during menstruation), headaches, loss of sleep, lower back pain) are all symptoms of adenomyosis.
Irritable bowl and adenomyosis are so similar and often times, adenomyosis is misdiagnosed as IBS.
I went to 3 different obgyn doctors who did transvaginal ultrasounds, pelvic exams and just kept telling me nothing was wrong. I finally found a doctor that ordered an MRI (with and without contrast; and also to test for endometriosis you have to put gel in your rectum and vagina right before the MRI) and it was determined I did not have endometriosis but adenomyosis. I know it is so frustrating but do not give up!!!