Understanding Pelvic Pain in Women: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions
Pelvic pain is a common yet often misunderstood issue that affects millions of women. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp cramps, or ongoing discomfort, pelvic pain can impact daily life, fertility, and overall well-being.
At Functional GYN, we believe in getting to the root cause of pelvic pain rather than just masking symptoms. Let’s explore the top causes of pelvic pain in women, along with functional medicine solutions to help you find lasting relief.
1. Endometriosis: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain, yet it often goes undiagnosed for years. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, scar tissue, and severe pain.
🚨 Symptoms of Endometriosis:
✔ Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
✔ Pain during intercourse
✔ Chronic lower abdominal or back pain
✔ Infertility or difficulty conceiving
✔ Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
🔹 Functional Medicine Approach:
✔ Hormone balance – Reducing excess estrogen through diet and lifestyle changes.
✔ Anti-inflammatory diet – Eliminating processed foods, dairy, and sugar to lower inflammation.
✔ Gut healing protocols – Addressing leaky gut and supporting microbiome health.
✔ Laparoscopic surgery (if needed) to remove adhesions and scar tissue.
👉 Why It Matters: Many women go undiagnosed with endometriosis for years. If your period pain is severe, don’t ignore it—seek professional evaluation.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Hormonal Imbalances
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation, metabolism, and insulin regulation. Many women with PCOS experience pelvic pain due to enlarged ovaries, cyst formation, and inflammation.
🚨 Symptoms of PCOS-Related Pelvic Pain:
✔ Irregular or missing periods
✔ Ovarian cysts that cause pain during ovulation
✔ Chronic low-grade inflammation leading to bloating and discomfort
✔ Weight gain and insulin resistance
🔹 Functional Medicine Approach:
✔ Balancing blood sugar with a low-carb, whole-food diet.
✔ Supporting progesterone levels to reduce estrogen dominance.
✔ Supplements like inositol, zinc, and magnesium to support ovarian health.
✔ Exercise & stress management to lower cortisol and inflammation.
👉 Why It Matters: PCOS affects more than just fertility—it can cause chronic pelvic pain, hormonal acne, and metabolic issues if left untreated.
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) & Chronic Infections
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs, often caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. However, even non-STI bacterial imbalances can trigger chronic pelvic pain.
🚨 Symptoms of PID & Infections:
✔ Lower abdominal pain or tenderness
✔ Pain during sex or urination
✔ Irregular vaginal discharge (foul-smelling or yellow/green)
✔ Fever or chills (in severe cases)
🔹 Functional Medicine Approach:
✔ Comprehensive STI & microbiome testing to detect infections.
✔ Antibiotics (if needed), followed by probiotics to restore vaginal and gut flora.
✔ Natural anti-inflammatory treatments like garlic, oregano oil, and berberine.
👉 Why It Matters: Untreated PID can lead to infertility, chronic inflammation, and scar tissue formation—early treatment is key!
4. Fibroids & Uterine Disorders
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, and pain.
🚨 Symptoms of Fibroids:
✔ Heavy, painful periods
✔ Pelvic pressure or bloating
✔ Pain during sex
✔ Frequent urination
🔹 Functional Medicine Approach:
✔ Reducing estrogen dominance (fibroids thrive on excess estrogen).
✔ Detoxing the liver to improve estrogen metabolism.
✔ Using herbal remedies like Vitex and turmeric to shrink fibroids naturally.
✔ Non-invasive treatments (like uterine embolization) for larger fibroids.
👉 Why It Matters: Many women undergo unnecessary hysterectomies—exploring functional treatments first can help preserve fertility and quality of life.
5. Musculoskeletal & Nerve-Related Pelvic Pain
Not all pelvic pain is gynecological! Some cases stem from muscle tension, nerve compression, or misalignment in the pelvic floor, spine, or hips.
🚨 Common Causes of Musculoskeletal Pelvic Pain:
✔ Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – Overactive or tight pelvic muscles causing chronic pain.
✔ Sciatic Nerve Compression – Can cause referred pain in the pelvis.
✔ Postpartum Changes – Weak pelvic muscles after childbirth can lead to chronic pain and incontinence.
🔹 Functional Medicine Approach:
✔ Pelvic floor therapy with specialized exercises and biofeedback.
✔ Chiropractic or osteopathic adjustments to align the spine and pelvis.
✔ Nerve-calming supplements like magnesium and B vitamins.
👉 Why It Matters: If you have pelvic pain but normal gynecological tests, musculoskeletal issues could be the hidden cause.
6. Digestive Disorders & Gut Imbalances
Your gut and reproductive system are closely linked—conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), and gut inflammation can mimic gynecological pain.
🚨 Gut-Related Pelvic Pain Symptoms:
✔ Bloating and cramping
✔ Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)
✔ Gas and food sensitivities
🔹 Functional Medicine Approach:
✔ Identifying food triggers (gluten, dairy, sugar, FODMAPs).
✔ Gut microbiome testing to assess bacterial imbalances.
✔ Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and gut-healing supplements like L-glutamine.
👉 Why It Matters: Many women with chronic pelvic pain actually have underlying gut issues—treating digestion can lead to major relief.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Answers & Relief
Pelvic pain is not normal, and you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. Whether it’s hormonal, structural, infectious, or gut-related, there is always a root cause to explore.
✨ At Functional GYN, we take a whole-body approach—looking beyond symptoms to uncover the real reason behind your pain.
✅ Struggling with chronic pelvic pain? Book a consultation today to start your healing journey!
Be safe, be ready and be prepared,
Dr. Adeeti Gupta