Endometriosis and Menopause - Is there Relief when Your Clock Stops Ticking?

Endometriosis is one of the most discomforting conditions a woman can have as it can cause great pain, irritation, and for some, even infertility. Menopause on the other hand is a natural part of life that a lot of women do not look forward to. However, when endometriosis and menopause are put together, it may actually be a good thing. Well at least for those who suffer endometriosis as studies have shown symptoms of endometriosis tend to end upon menopause.

A lot of the currently used treatments for endometriosis have been known to cause side effects, very notable of which is early menopause. Not many people know that when menopause happens, the effect on endometriosis is similar to that of the treatments that cause early menopause. When menopause occurs, the symptoms of endometriosis tend to dissipate, if not gone completely. And as such, menopause can actually be a good thing for women who have been suffering endometriosis for years.

What makes menopause stop symptoms of endometriosis?

When a woman reaches menopause, her body no longer produces estrogen. This hormone is one of the major triggers of endometriosis. Without estrogen, women may no longer feel the pain caused by endometriosis. This is also what women who have their ovaries removed. Since ovaries produce estrogen, endometriosis symptoms also dissipate upon the removal of these organs.

However, menopause does not really cure endometriosis. The condition only stops the production of hormones that stimulate endometriosis. The disease may still be there, although it appears to be forever dormant. For most patients, the absence of the symptoms is enough since most cases of endometriosis need no further treatment other than symptom management. But since, endometriosis does not really disappear with menopause some of its symptoms may still suddenly appear at some point, albeit rarely.

If a woman receives hormone replacement treatment after menopause, the symptoms of endometriosis may reappear. Estrogen is one of the usual components of hormone treatment and since it stimulates endometriosis, it can cause its recurrence. Women who have had serious cases of endometriosis are also more prone to still experience symptoms even after menopause. Some patients have scar tissue and this of course does not disappear with menopause.

Hormone replacement is one option that some menopausal women take. A lot of women notice the great effects of hormonal imbalance to their bodies during menopause. They get hot flashes, aggravated PMS, mood swings, sleep problems among other symptoms of menopause. However, hormone therapy is not really that necessary for all menopausal women. Majority of women actually go through menopause without the help of hormone treatments. Worse, hormone therapy may increase risks of endometriosis recurrence after menopause. So unless really needed, it may not be advisable for women who have endometriosis to have hormone treatment when they reach menopause.

Endometriosis is a very difficult condition for women. Thankfully, its sufferers may look forward to a brighter future with these findings about endometriosis and menopause. It looks like there is a reason to look forward to menopause after all.

Amanda researches natural remedies to help women cope with the symptoms of menopause. For practical tips that will help you through this challenging period take a look at this website that covers Endometriosis and Menopause .