Groin pain (pelvic pain) is one of the common conditions in menopause. There are various causes: urinary tract diseases (such as urinary tract infection, stones), conditions affecting the intestinal system (such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome) and conditions affecting the reproductive organs (fibroids, ovarian cysts, cancers of these organs). When the pain exceeds 6 months, it is called chronic pelvic pain. Conditions such as prolapse (pelvic organ prolapse), tumors (fibroids) or endometriosis cause more chronic pain.

The decrease in estrogen levels in the body after menopause leads to weakness in some tissues. With the weakening of the pelvic muscles and tissues in the genital area, sagging may occur in the bladder and uterus (uterus). Pain is often seen in sagging, which increases with standing during the day. Weakness in bladder muscles can make it difficult to hold urine and cause urinary incontinence. This condition, which we call vulvo-vaginal atrophy, which manifests itself with the change of tissues in the genital area and also with vaginal dryness, causes pain during intercourse or pain during urination, is thinning and dryness in this region, especially due to the decrease in estrogen.

Fibroids are benign tumors. They generally occur in reproductive age and tend to shrink after menopause. However, very large fibroids may not shrink immediately and may cause pain. Although the possibility of fibroids turning into cancer is negligible, especially fast growing fibroids are considered suspicious in this sense. Cyst formation in the ovaries (ovaries) decreases after menopause. However, it should be considered as a factor in groin pain.

Ovarian cancer is a disease that does not show symptoms in the early stage, and usually presents with abdominal pain and abdominal swelling in the advanced stage. Although uterine (endometrial) cancer is more common with postmenopausal bleeding, it should be considered in groin pain.

In the disease we call chocolate cysts (endometrioma) or "endometriosis" in general, the pain usually decreases after menopause. However, if adhesions have occurred in the previous periods, this pain may continue. Unopposed estrogen (estrogen therapy alone) given after menopause can cause the pain of "endometriosis" to come back. In addition, with the increase in our knowledge in recent years, the presence of "painful chocolate cysts after menopause" is considered to be risky in terms of cancer.

In menopause, the cervix often shrinks and can become blocked. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the uterus and cause pain. Infections of the female organs can also cause pain. In these cases, “high fever” is an important clue.

In addition to diseases affecting the reproductive system, bladder and bowel problems also cause groin pain. New-onset severe pain occurs in cases such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones. With aging, the intestines slow down and constipation becomes common. Constipation is one of the conditions that cause groin pain. It should not be forgotten that bowel cancer may also occur in stool changes (such as new-onset constipation).

As a result, the pain seen in the menopausal period should be considered; It should be kept in mind that even if the underlying cause may be minor and temporary, it may be a harbinger of important problems. Perhaps the best way to handle this situation is “regular annual check-ups”.