Hemorrhoids are something many of us have experienced at some point in our lives, especially the times when we were pregnant. Isn’t it?

And if you have been lucky, you might have not experienced this actual pain in the butt until now as you go through the years of perimenopause and menopause.

So, what are the causes behind this pain in your rear end? Is there a way to cure them altogether?

We have talked to Dr. Karen Pike about menopause and hemorrhoids and gathered a lot of information to help you with this.

Dr. Karen Pike is a board-certified emergency room doctor and a senior physician administrator working in northern California. She is the primary medical consultant for the famous show “Grey’s Anatomy.”

She has done significant research on menopause and wants to empower women with the resources and knowledge needed to confidently go ahead in their unique journeys of life, health, and menopause.

1. What Exactly Are These Hemorrhoids?

If you have already done your part of the research, the chances are that you already know what these embarrassing, irritating, and painful things are. But, in case you haven’t, this section is for you.

According to Dr. Pike, “Hemorrhoids are much like varicose veins. But the primary difference is that these veins are swollen. They either protrude from your anus or stay inside your rectum. They can be in the color purple or red, bleeding or itchy.”

2. How to Understand If You Have Hemorrhoids During Menopause?

In your rectum, most of your nerves can’t sense pain. Thanks to that, you will not be able to feel pain if you have internal hemorrhoids. However, this kind of hemorrhoid can cause you to bleed.

You might notice that there is blood in your poop. Or, when you wipe your butt with toilet paper after pooping, you might see red stains. Also, you might feel like pooping again even after coming out from the toilet just then.

The case is different from external hemorrhoids. They tend to cause you discomfort, itching, and pain while going to or using the toilet. You might find it really difficult and painful to wipe your back with toilet paper once you are done pooping – all because of the swollen veins and lumps.

If that happens, you might start to avoid going to the toilet for pooping subconsciously or consciously, anticipating pain. This can turn into a difficult cycle and be one of the reasons for hemorrhoids during menopause.

3. What Other Factors Lead to Hemorrhoids During Menopause?

Menopause is that time in your life when you stop having your menstrual cycle. There are several symptoms connected to this because of the decline of several hormones, including estrogen.

It’s true that menopause doesn’t directly lead you to have hemorrhoids. Instead, the hormonal and physiological changes you face during this phase can contribute to certain conditions that can increase your chances of developing hemorrhoids.

• Weight Gain

During menopause, most of the women experience weight gain. This is because of several lifestyle factors, metabolic slowdowns related to age, and hormonal changes.

When your body weight is increased, it puts more pressure on your rectal and pelvic veins. And this can pave the way for hemorrhoids.

• Tissue Elasticity and Hormonal Changes

During menopause, your estrogen levels decrease. This leads to the decreased production of collagen, a vital protein responsible for the elasticity and strength of tissues.

With the levels of your collagen dropping, all the tissues in your body, including the ones in your anal and rectal areas, become less elastic and weaker.

This can make the veins in your rectal area prone to inflammation, swelling, and hemorrhoids.

4. How to Avoid Developing Hemorrhoids?

Now, many of you might want to know if there is any way you can avoid developing hemorrhoids. Dr. Pike says, “Well, there is no sure shot to not have hemorrhoids in menopause altogether. But, of course, there are certain measures you can take to prevent it.”

• Eat Lots of Fiber

Start taking prevention by including a lot of fiber in your daily diet. You can choose loads of fresh fruit and vegetables with skin and wholegrain bread, noodles, and rice. High-fiber breakfast cereals, chickpeas, beans, and lentils are also good options. If you like potatoes, you can add baked beans to it for a yummy yet healthy high-fiber meal.

• Intake of Lots of Water

You need to keep yourself hydrated. And for that, you need to drink a lot of water, sparkling or still, throughout the day. Remember, if you don’t want to fall prey to menopause hemorrhoids, steer clear of caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

• Don’t Sit on The Toilet Seater for Too Long

Many of us like to sit in the toilet and play mobile games, watch the news, or read books. However, sitting for too long in the toilet can actually play a role in developing hemorrhoids.

• Limit Your Intake of Painkillers

It would be best if you could avoid taking painkillers. But then, if you can’t do that, at least limit your intake of painkillers. The ones that contain codeine can lead to constipation.

• Don’t Hold Your Urge to Poop

If you feel like pooping, listen to your body, go to the toilet and relieve yourself. If you try to hold it, it can lead you to have constipation.

5. Can Hemorrhoids During Menopause Be Cured?

If you develop hemorrhoids even after taking all the precautions, know that there are ways you can ease your pain. In fact, in some cases, they may go away completely.

According to Dr. Pike, “Hemorrhoids can go away on their own, sometimes. But if you see the pain is there for more than seven days, it is better to consult a doctor.”

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are a very common issue in women in their menopause. But still, if you see that you are having pain in your anal area or having issues with your bowel movement, it is always great to go see a doctor.

Don’t stress much, drink plenty of water, and develop a healthy lifestyle – and you will be able to get back to your normal life.