Can adhesions from endometriosis continue to cause pain after menopause?
Yes, adhesions can definitely continue causing pain after menopause. While most women find relief from endometriosis symptoms after menopause (between 2-5% experience symptoms afterward), adhesions are bands of scar tissue that remain in place Show Full Answer
Can adhesions from endometriosis continue to cause pain after menopause?
Yes, adhesions can definitely continue causing pain after menopause. While most women find relief from endometriosis symptoms after menopause (between 2-5% experience symptoms afterward), adhesions are bands of scar tissue that remain in place regardless of hormonal changes.
A MyEndometriosisTeam member shared their experience: "My endometriosis may not be active, but the adhesions cause as much grief, just in a different way." Another member described it as "like something is pulling you from the inside out."
Adhesions form when inflammation from endometriosis creates scar tissue that causes organs to stick together. Even though menopause reduces estrogen and typically lessens active endometriosis, these physical bands of scar tissue don't disappear on their own.
The pain from adhesions can feel like:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Stabbing sensations
- Pulling or tugging feelings internally
- Pain that may lead to nausea
After menopause, treatment options include:
- Pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Surgical removal of adhesions (adhesiolysis)
- In some cases, surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries may be recommended as first-line treatment
It's worth noting that while hormonal treatments are typically used for endometriosis, they may not be as effective for postmenopausal women with low estrogen levels.
December 23, 2025
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