Health Organization for Pudendal Education

I'm just wondering if estrogen has ever helped relieve pelvic pain for us hyster-sisters and those in menopause?

Hi MsRivers,

I'm neither a hystersister or in menopause (I'm 25) but Estrace cream greatly helped my vulvar vestibulitis.

Lauren

Thanks Lauren,

I have some premerin and, I think I'm going to try it. I seem to recall reading something about a link between estrogen and pelvic pain.

MR

Like Lauren I have not gone through menopause nor had a hysterectomy (I'm 23), but I'd like to relay what little knowledge I have regarding Estrogen as explained by Dr. Lamvu at my recent appointment.

I was prescribed a topical estrogen cream (estradiol) that is to be applied twice a day. Her explanation of why estrogen is effective in vulvar type pain was this (as I interpreted it):

According to research individuals with pelvic pain (primarily vestibulitis) have increased nerve endings in the area. This occurs because either damaged or irritated nerves send off more nerve sprouts if you will, in an attempt to normalize. As a result--you get an increase in pain. In these areas of increased nerve endings there is typically a loss of estrogen receptors which work much like a lock and key. Women are constantly producing estrogen, both systemically and locally within the vestibule itself and this estrogen binds with these receptors generating new cells thus keeping the mucosa supple.

For women who have an increase in these free nerve endings, and therefore for a reduction of estrogen receptors, cell turnover is reduced and the nerves are allowed to continue proliferation. Proliferation = more pain. Now research has shown that the topical application of estrogen has somehow modified the surrounding tissue causing an increase in receptors themselves. This increase results in a turnover of skin equivalent to that of a healthy woman without perineal pain. The turnover also blocks the proliferation of new nerve sprouts, quieting them to a tolerable level.

Again, this was just what I remember and my interpretation, so take it with a grain of salt. I hope that helps, if not I can try to further explain.


Best Regards,
Krista

Not an option that all of us can try, unfortunately. I am post menopausal, and I've had a hysterectomy. I've also had DVT twice, with PE the last time - anything with oestrogen is out.