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Postmenopausal Pelvic Pain

Women who are post-menopausal shouldn't suffer from endometriosis but it can happen. Endometriosis can result in pelvic pain as can a number of other conditions including cyclical vulvitis and fibroids. Problems and pain can be the outcome of decreased estrogen levels, which occurs in menopause. On the other hand, problems can also occur due to the estrogen that a woman's body receives when she is taking hormone therapy.

  1. Endometriosis Rare But Possible

    • Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disorder that causes pelvic pain. Generally, it strikes women who are in their reproductive years but post-menopausal women are not completely exempt, although the condition is rare among post-menopausal women, according to Informaworld.com. Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium, is found outside of the uterus. If you are in menopause and do suffer from endometriosis, it may be due to the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

    The Role of Hormones

    • Medscape.com notes that, theoretically, women who take hormone therapy are at a greater risk for developing fibroids, which can cause pain, because estrogen stimulates fibroid growth. Fibroid tumors have both progesterone and estrogen receptors, which means that they respond to hormonal stimulation, which occurs when hormones are taken. Usually, fibroids will diminish once a woman is fully into menopause because of the naturally reduced levels of estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids can cause back and pelvic pain and pressure, constipation, uterine bleeding and incontinence.

    Size of Fibroids

    • The pain that you will experience from fibroids all depends on the size and location of the fibroids. Posterior fibroids may produce lower back pain while those located in the broad ligament may compress the sciatic nerve and result in unilateral lower abdominal pain. If you have an anterior fibroid, this can result in the compression of the bladder and be painful. If the fibroid is large, this can create difficulty for a woman when she is trying to urinate or have a bowel movement.

    Other Causes

    • Pelvic pain can also originate from cyclical vulvitis. This condition includes herpes simplex infections, cracking and thinning of the vaginal skin that is the outcome of diminished estrogen levels, yeast infections, lichen planus and lichen sclerosis, according to Diane K. Newman, RNC, MSN, CRNP, FAAN.

    Additional Considerations

    • Tumors can also produce pelvic pain, as can pelvic adhesions, interstitial cystitis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal tumors and diverticular disease. If you are post-menopausal and are experiencing pelvic pain, consult with your physician.

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