Dropped Uterus in Menopause

Menopausal women can experience a dropped uterus, or a prolapsed uterus, which means that the ligaments and muscles that keep the womb (uterus) intact have weakened. When this occurs, the uterus can drop down into the vaginal canal. Prolapse means that the uterus has descended or changed its normal position.

Age

• Age can be the culprit. When a woman gets older, her muscles weaken and she loses her muscle tone, which can result in a dropped uterus, according to Uterine-prolapse.net.

Menopause, Overweight

• If you are in menopause and overweight, your chances for experiencing a uterine prolapse increase. The added weight on the weakened muscles causes pressure on the pelvic muscles. This can result in a prolapse.

Hormones

• Estrogen levels decrease when a woman is in menopause. Estrogen helps keep muscles strong and toned. When this hormone declines, the uterine walls can weaken and a dropped uterus can occur.

Surgery

• If you have undergone pelvic surgery of some sort this may cause loss of muscle tone and lead to a uterine prolapse.

Pregnancies

• Having numerous pregnancies can weaken your muscles and make you a candidate for a dropped uterus when you are older. According to the Mayo Clinic, women who have had vaginal deliveries may sustain damage to supportive tissues during the pregnancy and childbirth. Over the years, the effects of gravity, straining and loss of estrogen can weaken the tissues and muscles on the pelvic floor and lead to a prolapse.

Race

• Caucasian women are more likely to experience a prolapse than women of other races.