I have just been diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome, will it get worse as I go through menopause? Will having a hysterectomy relieve my pain?

I have been in pain for a long time and finally have a diagnosis for my pain. At 50 years old, I have been diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome. Will the condition get worse as I go through menopause? Will having a hysterectomy relieve my pain? Are there certain foods I should avoid?

Answers from doctors (5)


Jefferson Health Vein Treatment Practice

Published on Jan 21, 2020

Pelvic congestion syndrome (also known as Pelvic Venous Disease) is related to dilated veins in the pelvis causing pelvic pain. Many women begin with a hysterectomy, but this will not eliminate the abnormal veins that could be causing your symptoms. If you have not done so already, you should have an evaluation with a vein specialist interested in this area to see if you are a candidate for minimally invasive procedures to eliminate the veins causing pelvic congestion. Often women have some relief of symptoms after menopause, but it is not a guarantee.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8898_1576070462.jpg
Answered by Jefferson Health Vein Treatment Practice

Pelvic congestion syndrome (also known as Pelvic Venous Disease) is related to dilated veins in the pelvis causing pelvic pain. Many women begin with a hysterectomy, but this will not eliminate the abnormal veins that could be causing your symptoms. If you have not done so already, you should have an evaluation with a vein specialist interested in this area to see if you are a candidate for minimally invasive procedures to eliminate the veins causing pelvic congestion. Often women have some relief of symptoms after menopause, but it is not a guarantee.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Oct 23, 2016

Pelvic congestion syndrome does occur after hysterectomy. If the left ovarian vein is the culprit case for pelvic congestion (e.g. reflux with size > 8 mm), then coiling this should help your symptoms. This is preferable to hysterectomy.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7743_1538076833.jpg
Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Pelvic congestion syndrome does occur after hysterectomy. If the left ovarian vein is the culprit case for pelvic congestion (e.g. reflux with size > 8 mm), then coiling this should help your symptoms. This is preferable to hysterectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Oct 21, 2016

PCS gets better with menopause. A hysterectomy is not necessary. Get a vein embolization done with an interventional radiologist. No relation to foods.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

PCS gets better with menopause. A hysterectomy is not necessary. Get a vein embolization done with an interventional radiologist. No relation to foods.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Menopause should not have a specific impact on your pelvic congestion. Hysterectomy will not relieve your symptoms as the pain is due to stretching of the veins in the pelvis and not related to the presence or absence of your uterus. You should consider seeing a specialist about ovarian vein embolization.

Answered by Weill Cornell Vein Treatment Center (View Profile)

Menopause should not have a specific impact on your pelvic congestion. Hysterectomy will not relieve your symptoms as the pain is due to stretching of the veins in the pelvis and not related to the presence or absence of your uterus. You should consider seeing a specialist about ovarian vein embolization.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Aug 12, 2013

There are other treatment options to close down the veins besides a hysterectomy. The symptoms associated with PCS shouldn't get worse thru menopause, but might not get better. Having a hysterectomy also may not relieve all the pain. Find a clinic with a physician who is accredited by The American College of Phlebology to discuss having a venogram.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

There are other treatment options to close down the veins besides a hysterectomy. The symptoms associated with PCS shouldn't get worse thru menopause, but might not get better. Having a hysterectomy also may not relieve all the pain. Find a clinic with a physician who is accredited by The American College of Phlebology to discuss having a venogram.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -2 answers
Is Pelvic Congestion Symdrome life threatening if left untreated?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -3 answers
I am 60 years of age and have had prominent veins in the buttocks for some years but they are just beginning to trouble me. I've had a pelvic ultrasound scan which showed that I also have prominent veins in the uterus and small fibroids.
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -4 answers
Or are there other treatments?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -4 answers
I have low and mid back pain along with nausea. Can this be attributed to Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -4 answers
My radiologist put coils on the main left ovarian vein. He said the procedure was a success and that was the only varicose vein. I felt great after the procedure but then two weeks later the pain is worse. Why do you think that is?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -1 answer
I have had a ct scan that showed I had PCS several years ago and have a hysterectony 3 years ago is it possible to have PCS after the hysterectomy? I am now starting with dull aching pain in the lower abdomen and upper legs.
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -2 answers
Can you still get pregnant with pelvic congestion syndrome?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -1 answer
Can PCS have symptoms like abdominal bloating or palpitations?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -5 answers
I was recently diagnosed with PCS. Its very painful, almost all the time. My doctor put me on birth control for treatment. Is this an effective treatment? And would the surgical procedure work for the veins in my legs if they just embolize the stomach veins?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -3 answers
What is your recommended treatment of PCS and do you recommend an OBGYN? Is weight gain typically associated with PCS?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -2 answers
My MD said it was varicose vein, gyn said nothing can be done and dismissed it. I have pain, pressure, skin burning especially with standing or sitting too long. Should I see a vein specialist or "live with it" as gyn said. affects quality of life.
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -2 answers
I was recently dx with PCS from an ultrasound and very obvious enlarged vessels. While I'm seeking additional testing, what should I avoid? Can I run, bend or lift normally? Is there a risk for blood clot?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -2 answers
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -2 answers
I am really worried, can Pelvic Congestion Syndrome make women infertile? Are their infertility options for women with PCS?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -3 answers
I still want to have children, but now that I have been diagnosed with PCS I'm not sure if it's possible. Will this syndrome affect my ability to get pregnant? What about delivery a baby?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -3 answers
I have pelvic congestion syndrome. Is discharge one of the symptoms? What are the typical symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome apart from pain?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -1 answer
They sound kind of the same.
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -5 answers
The only thing that relieves it is rolling up a towel and placing it under by left buttock and sitting. It then feels like things are circulating better and the pain goes away. Have you ever heard of this and why does it happen?
See More
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment -3 answers
I had my baby 11 months ago and I'm still in pain. I think it's pelvic congestion syndrome. I want to get better but I don't know what to do. What are some steps I can take to improve?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR