It hurts, as if your period is about to start. But can that be? You can find out here where abdominal pain can come from during menopause.
Actually, you’re already done with the topic of menstruation – or so you thought. And then you have that pulling feeling in your stomach again. Abdominal pain during menopause can have hormonal reasons, but other causes are also possible. Fortunately, most of them are harmless.
Why does abdominal pain still occur during menopause?
The tricky thing about menopause is that it’s like that unpredictable are: For some women, this phase of life begins quite early in their early 40s, while others only reach the climacteric in their mid-50s or later. Some develop severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats, others only notice that their period stops at some point (our article tells you more about hot flashes during menopause). In addition, menopause progresses differently for everyone and is not exactly straight.
Fluctuations and irregularities are part of the program. The body needs a while to adjust to the changes in the hormonal balance that accompany the end of fertility. More precisely, the production of female sex hormones goes on estrogen and progesterone first slowly and then suddenly (with the menopause). Our article Menopause describes the exact connections in this special but inevitable phase of life.
Briefly to clarify terms: Menopause is the time of the last menstrual period plus the following year, in which menstruation no longer occurs. You will be in menopause for a while before and even afterward. Read more about the individual phases here: premenopause, perimenopause, postmenopause.
This means: Even if you have missed your period for a few months, it is possible that a follicle will mature into an egg in the ovaries and that ovulation will occur again after a longer break. If this egg is not accidentally fertilized, another menstrual period will begin. It can be stronger than before, but also much weaker. The body hasn’t forgotten how to do it yet. The built-up but unneeded uterine lining is shed through contractions of the uterine muscles, which causes the cramping pain. The technical term for this is Dysmenorrhea.
But it also happens again and again that women go through menopause pregnant become. Only when at least 12 months have passed without further bleeding after your last menstruation (for women over 50; 24 months if you are younger) can it be assumed that you no longer need contraception. This is often underestimated. If you have had unprotected sex, you better take a pregnancy test. Without wanting to worry you: If you have abdominal pain in the early stages, it could be a problem Ectopic pregnancy act that requires immediate treatment. So it’s better to have this clarified by your gynecologist.
However, it is more likely that the familiar lower abdominal pain during menopause actually occurs Signs of an upcoming period is. Especially if you have always suffered from relatively severe menstrual cycle symptoms, these premenstrual symptoms will probably continue to occur during menopause. However, if the abdominal pain is not followed by bleeding, there could also be other reasons behind the symptoms. More on that later.
What helps against the symptoms?
To relieve the pain, it is first important to know the cause (see below). It is about harmless, cycle-related complaintswhich can still occur during menopause, these options are open to you – with medical help or without:
- Hormones
Talk to your gynecologist about whether giving hormones could have a positive effect. The remedies can be used externally or internally (our article explains more about special hormone replacement therapy during menopause). - Painkiller
If you know that there is nothing serious behind it, there is nothing wrong with taking a painkiller if necessary, for example ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or paracetamol. But be careful: Like any medication, painkillers sold over the counter can cause side effects, especially if you take them too long and too often. As a rule of thumb, you can remember: Do not take it for more than four days at a time and no more than ten days a month! - warmth
A cherry stone pillow or a hot water bottle on the stomach has a pleasant, antispasmodic effect. You can also enjoy the warmth in the bathtub. A physiotherapist may also be able to show you special exercises that relax the abdominal area.
Possible other causes of pelvic pain during menopause
You are familiar with pulling or cramp-like pain, some of which radiates to your back, from your period. But now, in menopause, they are not necessarily related to the cycle. Which can manifest itself in a very similar way:
Cystitis
During menopause, the susceptibility to urinary tract infections and bladder infections increases. This is because the falling estrogen levels… Mucous membranes thinner and drier become – even those in the vagina. Bacteria then have a better chance of multiplying and spreading. Pain in the abdomen may first appear and the typical burning sensation when urinating may not appear until a few days later.
For treatment: Increase the amount you drink significantly to flush out the germs as quickly as possible. Diuretic teas, for example with birch leaves or goldenrod, help with this.
Uterine prolapse (prolapse)
Symptoms that feel like period pain can also indicate a prolapsed uterus. The organs in the abdominal cavity are held in place by a network of connective tissue. At the lower end, a muscle plate, the pelvic floor, seals the area. Over the course of life, muscles and connective tissue naturally become weaker, and vaginal births in particular put strain and weaken the pelvic floor. It is believed that obesity, heavy carrying and lifting, as well as constant coughing or chronic constipation also contribute. If the connective tissue and pelvic floor become unstable, it is possible that the uterus, an internal organ, will sink down a little. In the most severe cases, part of the organ then comes out of the vagina. This is called prolapse in technical language. It is estimated that three percent of women have complaints due to organ prolapse.
For treatment: Depending on the severity of the prolapse and whether the woman is still of childbearing age and wants to have children, either a surgical procedure can be carried out Removal of the uterus come into question. In mild cases, targeted measures can be used Pelvic floor training counteract it or your gynecologist inserts a pessary that supports the uterus and has to be replaced every six to eight weeks.
Ovarian cysts, fibroids, polyps
Fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries, benign growths (fibroids) or polyps in and on the uterus sometimes cause pain in the lower abdomen. Above all, when they press on other organs and tissue structures. In principle, these gynecological diseases are harmless, but are best left under medical observation.
For treatment: Your gynecologist can use ultrasound (sonography) to measure the size of the fibroids or cysts and then assess whether therapy is necessary. If you have discomfort, medication can shrink it. Also an operation or Embolization (Desolation) would be an option.
Endometriosis
With endometriosisDepending on the cycle, the uterine lining also grows outside the uterus. The entire abdominal cavity and even the lungs can be affected by endometriosis lesions. Women suffer from severe abdominal pain and often have great problems becoming pregnant. This disease usually occurs at a young age. But it may only cause more severe symptoms during menopause, when the woman still has a cycle. The only advantage: Once the menopause is over, the typical endometriosis symptoms also end.
For treatment: The diagnosis is often made by chance, for example when a woman is examined because she has no children. The Focal lesions can be removed surgicallybut there is no guarantee that they will not grow again elsewhere.
Constipation, flatulence
Many women experience constipation during menopause. Because the falling progesterone level slows down digestive activity, which causes food to remain in the intestinal tract longer. Flatulence can also be the result. Both cause lower abdominal pain.
For treatment: To keep the intestinal contents as soft as possible, you should drink plenty and eat as much fiber as possible. bitter substances promote the formation of digestive enzymes and fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, support perestalsis (intestinal movement).
Appendicitis
An inflamed appendix of the appendix usually causes pain in the left lower abdomen. But pulling can also below the belly button be located and then move to the right lower abdomen. This is typical of appendicitis Pain in letting go, which means that when you press and release your stomach, the pain gets worse. It also hurts more in the stomach when walking or coughing.
For treatment: If you suspect appendicitis, go to one immediately clinic. The inflamed appendix is usually removed using a minimally invasive procedure. In rare cases, even treatment with antibiotics is sufficient.
Tumor disease
In the worst case, severe pain in the abdomen can also occur Ovarian or uterine cancer be the trigger. Therefore, always make sure to have regular check-ups with your gynecologist and take advantage of the early detection measures offered. You can find out more about cancer prevention here.
When do I need medical attention for abdominal pain during menopause?
If you have vaginal bleeding in the postmenopause, i.e. if your last menstrual period was more than a year ago, it is best to go to your gynecologist immediately – even if it doesn’t hurt. Don’t take this lightly, it can indicate cell changes.
To be on the safe side, you should also have it checked by a doctor if the pain is unusually severe or cannot be relieved with the usual measures, such as a hot water bottle or painkillers.
Reading tip: Are you wondering what this annoying weight gain during menopause is all about and how to lose weight better during menopause? You can also find out more about sleep disorders during menopause or hair loss and menopause here.
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