Abdominal cramps after menopause may feel like menstrual cramps, but they often have a different cause.
This article discusses the various causes of perimenopause and menopause cramps and how they can be treated.
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What Causes Cramping After Menopause?
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Cramps that occur after menopause are usually due to several treatable conditions.
Should you worry about bleeding and cramps after menopause?
Fibroids
Fibroidsare masses of tissue and muscle cells that grow within the uterus.
Those include cramping and abdominal pain.
The tissue still acts as it would inside the uterus, meaning it gets thick and bleeds.
It was previously thought that endometriosis could only affect those of childbearing age.
However, recent research has found that is not the case.
Endometriosis after menopausepresents with symptoms, such as:
New Case of Endometriosis After Menopause?
Typically, people who have endometriosis prior to menopause find symptom relief once they reach that stage.
The risk of these cancers increases as you age.
People may not notice symptoms until after the cancer has spread.
This is because cysts tend to form during ovulation and, after menopause, you don’t ovulate.
On rarer occasions, cysts have the potential to turn into cancer.
They include:
How Are Cramps After Menopause Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you, review your medical history, and ask you questions about your symptoms.
If they suspect an underlying issue is causing your cramps, they may suggest one of several imaging techniques.
Treating Cramps After Menopause
Treating postmenopausal cramps depends on whats causing them.
However, they do not work to address the fibroids directly.
While these conditions are not life-threatening, they can be serious and require more in-depth treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are various conditions that can cause cramps after menopause.
These include fibroids, endometriosis, and GI issues.
While each case is different, they are all closely associated with estrogen levels.
The fastest way to get rid of menopause cramps is by taking a pain reliever.
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American Cancer Society.What is ovarian cancer?
