IS IT NORMAL TO HAVE PELVIC AND LOWER BACK PAIN DURING MENOPAUSE?

During menopause, there are many aspects that change on a physical level in women. We are talking about alterations that go far beyond hot flashes or the pelvic floor. According to a study by the North American Menopause Society, published in The North American Menopause Society magazine , it states that menopausal women are at increased risk of chronic pain. Among some of the symptoms that women endure, muscle pain appears.

 

What is pelvic and low back pain?

Among the symptoms typical of menopause, we can find bone pain -caused by the reduction in bone mass as a result of the drop in estrogen-, chest pain , headaches... But today we want to focus on two of the most common and also less commented:

 

Pelvic pain . These strong discomforts appear very localized in the lower abdomen (pelvis). We are talking about an area that encompasses a musculoskeletal structure made up of the sacrum, coccyx and coxal bones, as well as the abdominal muscles and the perineum. This pain is characterized by being very sharp and stabbing , and it can be intermittent or constant, depending on each woman. Specialists classify it as chronic pelvic pain when its duration has exceeded 6 months.

Low back pain . Cases of sciatica or lower back pain during menopause increase year after year. These pains usually appear in women over 50 years of age as a clear consequence of muscle and bone weakness. It is usually constant, although it is relieved with rest . Many people need to be treated with anti-inflammatories, since the discomfort prevents them from carrying out their daily activities. In addition to medication, it is common for doctors to recommend rehabilitation and moderate exercise to strengthen the area.

Why do my pelvis and back hurt during the climacteric?

The climacteric is a period that can last several years before menopause appears. A time in which the woman already notices changes and imbalances in menstruation. For example, between three and five years before the last period, some women can go three months without having a cycle or have it twice in the same month. But, regarding muscle pain, what can be the causes?

 

The causes of pelvic pain appear when the menstrual cycle completely disappears and can be many and varied. Here are some of the most common: pelvic inflammatory disease (sexual infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea), ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors), endometriosis, musculoskeletal problems, ovarian remnants after a hysterectomy , irritable bowel syndrome, painful bladder syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction or interstitial cystitis, among others.

Causes of back pain . When the reproductive system completes its functions, menstruation disappears completely with menopause. As this moment approaches, bone density is progressively lost, which has a direct impact on the bones and also on the nervous system (hormonal imbalances). As a consequence of the weakening, cases of sciatica appear, due to the fact that the absorption of nutrients decreases remarkably.

How is pelvic pain treated during menopause?

First of all, it is important to mention that each situation can have very specific causes, therefore, the treatment will inevitably depend on the origin of the problem. The most common in these cases is that, to relieve daily pain, doctors administer anti-inflammatories or analgesics, but there are also other options:

 

Hormonal treatments to compensate or balance the imbalances typical of menopause. Some specialists also recommend antidepressants if the origin is psychological.

Physiotherapy . This technique is especially recommended for chronic cases. Massages, stretching and muscle relaxation techniques that are applied have very positive effects on pain.

acupuncture . In recent years, it has been applied to treat chronic pain with very good results.

Although we are not talking about a serious health problem, these discomforts do have an impact on the daily life of women, which is why it is essential -in addition to the recommended treatments- to lead a healthy and calm life in which exercise is carried out. on a regular basis.

 

What if my joints also hurt?

To anticipate joint pain and prevent future discomfort, it is crucial to take care of your diet, avoiding products that increase cholesterol or hypertension, as well as the most harmful habits such as alcohol or tobacco.

 

Tips to relieve joint and back pain caused by menopause

Living with chronic pain is one of the big problems of menopause in women. Learning to cope with it and including certain healthy habits in the day to day can considerably improve the quality of life of women. These are some of the recommendations of specialists, take note!

 

Consume products that has more calcium and vitamin D.

Practice moderate , but regular sport. In addition to controlling weight through a balanced diet. A sedentary lifestyle is the worst enemy for muscle and back pain, don't forget it!

Although it may seem like a minor detail, you should avoid high heels or uncomfortable shoes , since they have a direct impact on the legs and, more specifically, on the knees.

Rest , a fundamental aspect to improve daily well-being.

Keep a regular control of blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose

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