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General

Does endometriosis go away after menopause?

The short answer

Endometriosis does not always go away after menopause. Many people notice improvement as ovarian estrogen falls, but endometriosis can persist, and in some cases symptoms can begin around menopause or after periods stop. Hormone therapy can sometimes reactivate symptoms.

Not always. While menopause lowers ovarian estrogen and many people notice improvement, endometriosis can persist, and in some cases symptoms can even begin around peri‑menopause or after periods stop. That’s because endometriosis doesn’t depend solely on the ovaries: lesions can be highly sensitive to low estrogen levels, and some tissue can produce estrogen locally in the area of disease.

After menopause, symptoms also tend to be less cyclical and more like ongoing pelvic pain, bowel or bladder irritation, bloating, painful sex, or occasional bleeding. Hormone therapy can sometimes reactivate symptoms in susceptible patients, and long‑standing disease may leave behind fibrosis/scar tissue that won’t respond to medications. If you’re still having symptoms in peri‑ or post‑menopause, our team can help clarify whether you have active endometriosis, adhesions/fibrosis, or another overlapping condition, and discuss whether excision surgery, supportive care, or a tailored hormone plan makes the most sense.

Where to go from here

Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.

Speak with Us

Endometriosis After Menopause? Let's Talk

Endometriosis can persist or even begin after menopause, causing ongoing symptoms like pelvic pain or discomfort. Our specialists understand these changes and can help manage your long-term care effectively.

Questions people ask next

All general questions
  • Can endometriosis develop later in life?

    Yes, endometriosis can develop or become noticeable later in life, including during perimenopause and, less commonly, after menopause. Symptoms may include more constant pelvic pain, bloating, bowel changes, or bladder discomfort rather than cycle-linked pain.

  • Do pregnancy or menopause cure endometriosis?

    Pregnancy and menopause don’t reliably cure endometriosis, though they can temporarily change symptoms. Some patients feel better, but lesions can persist and symptoms can return, including significant pain flares after childbirth or menopause.

  • Can endometriosis be cured or only put into remission?

    Endometriosis doesn’t currently have a proven permanent cure, but many people can achieve major, lasting symptom improvement. Treatment typically aims for durable relief and disease control, which many patients describe as remission, while protecting long-term pelvic health.

Reach Out

Have a question?

Lotus Endometriosis Institute provides California-based surgical evaluation and advanced excision care for patients with suspected endometriosis, adenomyosis, complex pelvic pain, and related conditions.


Many patients contact us from outside California to learn whether traveling for in-person evaluation and possible surgery may be appropriate.

Call Us

(424) 255-1340

(805) 920-0909

Fax: (805) 935-4338

Santa Monica, CA

2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Operating Hours

8am - 5pm
Monday - Friday

Arroyo Grande, CA

154 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420