Congestion and Menopause

Women can experience head or pelvic congestion (chronic pain) before, during, and after menopause. Head congestion has multiple causes with hormones and hormonal medications being some of them. Many women take hormonal medications during menopause so this might cause congestion. Pelvic congestion often results from hormones.

Head Congestion

• Rhinitis (inflammation of nasal passages), sinusitis (sinus inflammation) or allergies can cause head congestion according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. According to the website, 34menopausesymptoms.com, menopause may bring on or worsen allergies, which could lead to head congestion.

Hormone Medications

• According to The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, birth control pills and female hormone preparations can cause nasal congestion. For example, prometrium can increase viral infections and allergies.

Hormones & Your Nose

• Higher amounts of estrogen can affect mucous membranes and make them swell according to the Baby Center Medical Advisory Board. According to Cedars-Sinai Sinus Center, menopause and hormones cause nonallergic sinusitis (rhinitis).

Pelvic Congestion

• Pelvic venous congestion is a chronic condition that causes pelvic pain, ovary tenderness, abnormal bleeding, painful intercourse, backache and vaginal discharge, according to Radiology Associates of Northern Kentucky.

Pelvic Congestion & Menopause

• Women can get pelvic congestion throughout their lives. It usually happens pre-menopause and during menopause. So you might experience pelvic congestion leading up to, and during, menopause.