Endometriosis and Menopause

[Magpiemurders]

Hello

Please could anyone tell me if they have experienced endometriosis after menopause.

I have never been officially diagnosed with endometriois, but felt that I have probably had it for a long time.

I was due a laparoscopy but then found out I was pregnant and symptoms seemed to improve following the birth and in subsequent years symptoms still there but managable and I just got on with it.

It is now two years since I have had a proper period - but for the last week have been suffering from constant varying degrees of lower pelvic pain and tailbone pain with bad fatigue, nausea and vomiting at the beginning - I have been to the doctors twice this week and they just say bloods ok and pulse,blood pressure etc ok

It is really impacting on my daily life, and I just wondered if anyone has suffered after the menopause as this is really getting me down now.

Thank you

[Poppyg16]

Hi, I have active endometriosis post menopause and am currently waiting total pelvic clearance hysterectomy and bowel resection.

I am 56 years old and have not had a period for 3 years. I was lucky enough to be having yearly mri scans as I was taking a breast cancer drug that can cause uterine cancers and because I have so many symptoms, pain and scarring from previous ops needed to be monitored as I could miss any new developments.

I too thought that menopause would put an end to the years of endo challenges and treatments, diagnosed early 20’s, but was told by my consultant that some endo deposits can produce and fuel their own hormone growth post menopause.

For me it was kind of a relief as the pain has become constant and increased again.

I think it might be worth you pursuing a diagnosis but be prepared that some doctors refuse to acknowledge endo can persist once our periods have stopped. I would push to be seen by a gynaecologist consultant who specialises in endo.

I am very lucky to be under the care of a specialist endo centre with consultants who know there subject and are engaged in ongoing research.

My gynaecologist has admitted to me that there is not enough research post menopause with endo patients and that they are learning all the time.

It’s only been a short time for you with these new symptoms but if they continue I hope you will be listened to and get all the help and reassurance you need. Also keep a daily notebook of your symptoms and severity so you can take it to your appointment, even when our periods have stopped my gp told me we still have a cycle of sorts that can be helpful in establishing a link with active endo.

Hope this helps a bit and I wish you all the best for future good health.

Poppy

[narnian56 in reply to Poppyg16]

Hi, if you don't mind sharing, could you say which endo centre you have been dealing with? I'm in the process of deciding who to be referred to and unfortunately not all of the BSGE centres are as 'enlightened' about post menopause disease. Thanks in advance.

[Poppyg16 in reply to narnian56]

Hi narnian56, I’m sorry you are still suffering post menopause too. I’m so sorry but part of this forums conditions of use are not to recommend individual hospitals, doctors or consultants. I would hate to be banned from it as I find that being able to share our experiences and support each other so incredibly valuable. I have double checked with endometriosis uk today to ask how I can help you on this forum and spoke to a lovely very helpful person who told me to advise you to phone them as they will be able to offer you the help and support you need. I have called them before and they were great help with all the information I needed. The number for endometriosis uk is 020 7722 2781.

I wish you all the best for your health journey and always happy to listen and support where I can.

Poppy🌞

[narnian56 in reply to Poppyg16]

Hi Poppy, Sorry - I've only just seen your reply. Totally understand. No problem. I did send Endo UK an email a few days back but haven't heard anything back - but as you suggest, I may give them a ring as well. All the best x