Endometriosis is one of the most common reproductive health disorders for female presence. According to the World Health Organization (Who is), about 10% of women and girls around the world are affected by endometriosis. Unfortunately, they do not have any statistics including gender, but this number is likely to reflect other people (AFABs) who were assigned a woman at birth.
Symptoms of Endometriosis It is usually the worst before and during menstruation. For this reason, it makes sense for people with disabilities to find relief when they have reached menopause and are no longer in menstruation.
That’s not for everyone. Can you experience endometriosis symptoms after menopause? It’s time to look into it!
What is endometriosis?
If you have endometriosis, you know how much pain and discomfort it can cause. But what exactly is this obstacle?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grows elsewhere in the abdomen and pelvic cavity. This disease can cause growth of the lining layers of the pelvis, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other areas.
These growths lead to chronic inflammation, and some people develop scar tissue in the affected area. People with endometriosis may experience symptoms that interfere with daily life, especially during periods.
Symptoms of endometriosis:
- Heavy periods can also experience heavy bleeding during the period
- Abdominal or lower back pain during the period
- Pain during penetration
- Pain while using the bathroom
- Fatigue
- Bloody
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety
- infertility
The cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is no treatment, but some individuals can manage symptoms slightly. Symptoms usually sink after menopause, but not always.
Menopause review
It is believed that someone has reached it menopause When they go for 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age of menopause is 51, but people experience it Perimenopause Average 4-8 years before reaching full menopause.
During the perimenopause, people can experience symptoms such as hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, dry vaginas, and emotional changes. These symptoms can often be managed Hormonal replacement therapy Or a natural way acupuncture And the changes in diet.
People suffering from a very difficult menstrual cycle when menopause rolls are often alleviated, as it means the end of unpleasant symptoms. This applies to many people with endometriosis, but what about people who experience symptoms after menopause?
Do you suffer from endometriosis after menopause?
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but medical professionals know that estrogen plays a major role in the disease. Endometriosis tissue responds to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels drop after menopause. This usually results in the disappearance of endometriosis symptoms.
So, can you develop endometriosis after menopause? Yes, the first case of postmenopausal endometriosis was reported in 1942 General practitioner Edgar Haydon. The data are not accurate, but one study suggests that. 4% It is still dealing with endometriosis in postmenopausal women.
What causes endometriosis after menopause?
One reason people continue to experience endometriosis symptoms after menopause is when they decide to use HRT to manage their symptoms. In addition to managing symptoms, HRT also helps people in menopause maintain bone health and overall quality of life. For people with a history of endometriosis, the use of estrogen can lead to continued symptoms of endometriosis.
This may be possible for people who have no history of endometriosis Developed after Menopause. It is unknown whether these cases are for new developments or if anyone has not been diagnosed previously.
Other drugs and treatments used for menopause may contribute to postmenopausal endometriosis. This includes phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens) and Tamoxifen – Selective estrogen receptor modulator.
Although rare, endometriosis has also been discovered Young people People who haven’t started menstruation yet. Based on this, it is fair to say that endometriosis does not only affect people in the reproductive phase. So how do you manage these often painful and debilitating symptoms?
Diagnosis of postmenopausal endometriosis
The first step in treating endometriosis after menopause (or at any stage) is to get a proper diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will get a detailed health history and perhaps perform a pelvic exam. Additional diagnostic tests and procedures may include blood tests, transvalue ultrasound, MRI, or minimally invasive laparoscopy.
Proper diagnosis is important because symptoms of endometriosis are similar to those of ovarian cancer. Risk of Ovarian cancer It is important to look at your healthcare provider, whether you contract endometriosis before menopause or not, as it increases with age.
Treatment of postmenopausal endometriosis
Unlike those who are still menstruating, surgery in postmenopausal women is usually directed at the first treatment provider for endometriosis. Surgery Not only does it help to minimize symptoms, it also reduces the risk of cancer in the reproductive organs. Partial people or Total hysterectomy You may continue to experience symptoms of endometriosis. This is especially true for people who use estrogen therapy.
Other options include the use of two different drugs. Progestogen and aromatase inhibitors. Prostgen It mimics the hormone progesterone and helps to control the symptoms of endometriosis while suppressing further tissue growth.
Aromatase inhibitors It acts on protein aromatase, which is involved in the production of estrogen. This helps to suppress the growth of endometriosis, reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms. The difficulty in using this postmenopausal medication is that it can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Combined with calcium and vitamin D supplements and bisphosphonates, you can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
There is little research into the effects of hormone therapy on women with endometriosis. Discontinuing it may help improve symptoms, but that’s not the case for everyone. Healthcare providers can help you weigh the pros and cons of hormone therapy and determine whether it suits your specific needs.
