Endometriosis causes tissue growth on organs outside the uterus to resemble its lining. 

It builds and depletes monthly but cannot leave the body vaginally.

Because of this, it might lead to a lot of Endometriosis pain, heavy bleeding, issues with getting pregnant, etc.

Menopause leads the body to produce less Estrogen. 

Endometriosis is Estrogen-dependent; therefore, symptoms normally improve after Menopause.

If you have Endometriosis, you would expect it to go away when your periods do. 

However, that doesn’t always happen, as Endometriosis persists after Menopause in rare cases.

This article discusses the various symptoms of Endometriosis after Menopause, as well as diagnosis and treatment options.

Can you get Endometriosis after Menopause

There is evidence from a study that 2 to 5% of women can get Endometriosis after Menopause.

Specialists attribute this phenomenon mostly to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), a treatment undergone by certain individuals experiencing Menopause.

Estrogen, found in HRT, is the main hormone that makes Endometriosis growths spread and get bigger. 

So, HRT may make Endometriosis symptoms worse in some women who are going through Menopause.

The study indicates that only a small proportion of Endometriosis cases after Menopause arise without any apparent cause. 

Fact:
10–15% of women of reproductive age and 35-50% of women who experience pelvic pain or infertility are affected by Endometriosis.

Symptoms of Endometriosis after Menopause

Pelvic pain
Woman suffering from cramps

Women may find out they have Endometriosis after Menopause or they are experiencing post-menopausal Endometriosis when they develop signs like:

  • Worsening pelvic pain
  • Pain during sex
  • Cysts in the ovary
  • Pain while peeing
  • Constipation
  • Discomfort during defecation

Despite the potential improvement of Endometriosis after Menopause, individuals may still encounter symptoms associated with Menopause.

Some of these are:

  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal atrophy
  • Changes in mood
  • Night sweats

Read more about Menopause symptoms to understand which are normal.

Causes of developing Endometriosis after Menopause

Endometriosis can be asymptomatic in many cases. 

Therefore, It is difficult to tell if Postmenopausal occurrences are new or if asymptomatic Endometriosis has become symptomatic.

Symptomatic Endometriosis that appears several years after Menopause for those who do not use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a rare occurrence.

Possible causes for the development or recurrence of Endometriosis after Menopause include:

  • Using MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy), which raises Estrogen levels
  • Using Phytoestrogens, which are Estrogen-like substances derived from plants
  • Use of Tamoxifen (a medication that targets Estrogen receptors and is often used to treat Breast Cancer)
  • Potential Estrogen production coming from adipose tissue (body fat), adrenal glands (endocrine glands), or other causes
  • Developments or modifications brought about by genetics (the influence of heredity and genes on health) or epigenetics (the impact of environmental factors and human behavior on gene expression)

Diagnosis of Endometriosis Menopause

There are multiple Endometriosis diagnosis methods, such as Endometriosis on ultrasound.

A medical expert can use several instruments to test for Endometriosis, including:

  • Pelvic exam
  • Ultrasound
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Laparoscopy

If you wish to learn more about the diagnosis; or for a detailed understanding of these tests, read “Endometriosis Diagnosis: A Closer Look at Challenges and Advancements.”

Treatment for Endometriosis after Menopause

doctors performing surgery with surgical instruments
Doctors performing surgery

Based on a study conducted in 2020, there is a scarcity of evidence and guidance for treating and managing Endometriosis during and after Menopause.

The researchers noted that Progesterone and Estrogen combined therapy may be superior to Estrogen alone.

Healthcare professionals may be best positioned to recognize and monitor signs of deteriorating Endometriosis symptoms.

It is recommended that surgical removal be performed for new instances of Endometriosis growths that occur after Menopause. 

Additionally, the authors of a study assert that approximately 12% of individuals will ultimately necessitate a hysterectomy to alleviate symptoms.

Treatment options such as Progesterone pills or injections and aromatase inhibitors can be beneficial in managing the condition. 

Nevertheless, the available evidence regarding their overall efficacy and safety remains limited.

Warning:
Do not leave post-menopause Endometriosis untreated. It may lead to Ovarian Cancer. 

Risks of developing Endometriosis Post-Menopause

Postmenopausal individuals face a greater likelihood of Endometriosis lesions developing into cancer compared to those who are still in their reproductive phase.

Malignant lesions may extend to the ovaries, intestines, lungs, and other organs.

Surgery can aid in the prevention of Endometriosis complications.

However,  there are heightened risks associated with surgery for older adults, frequently due to the increased prevalence of comorbid (co-occurring) conditions.

Conclusion

Although Endometriosis symptoms typically improve after Menopause due to lower Estrogen levels, a small percentage of women may still experience symptoms or develop Endometriosis after Menopause. 

The most common cause of postmenopausal Endometriosis is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). 

Symptoms of Endometriosis after Menopause may include worsening pelvic pain, pain during sex, cysts in the ovary, pain while urinating, constipation, and discomfort during defecation.

Diagnosis methods include pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, and laparoscopy. 

Treatment options for Endometriosis after Menopause are limited and may include combined hormone therapy and surgical removal of endometrial growths. 

It is important to seek medical advice and have regular check-ups to manage and monitor Endometriosis symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you have Endometriosis after Menopause?

Yes, it is possible to have Endometriosis after Menopause. While Endometriosis often diminishes as Estrogen levels reduce during Menopause, a small percentage of individuals may still experience the condition after Menopause. Research suggests that about 2-5% of Endometriosis cases occur after Menopause.

What happens with Endometriosis after Menopause?

Endometriosis after Menopause is a rare but recognized condition. While the symptoms of Endometriosis typically improve after Menopause due to reduced Estrogen levels, it can still occur in some postmenopausal individuals. The clinical presentation of Endometriosis in menopausal patients is unspecific, including pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, and intestinal symptoms.

When does postmenopause stop?

Postmenopause is the stage after a person has been without a menstrual period for 12 months. Once a person enters Postmenopause, they remain in this stage for the rest of their life, as their hormone levels will remain low, and they will no longer have a monthly period.

Do symptoms improve after Menopause?

Endometriosis is an Estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the ectopic presence of endometrial tissue. Menopausal women with a history of Endometriosis may experience relief from Endometriosis-related symptoms due to the drop in Estrogen levels after Menopause. However, Endometriosis can worsen or start Postmenopause, especially in people undergoing HRT. 

Citations:WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.