Ultrasound Characterization of Postmenopausal Endometriosis

This is a prospective observational study including consecutive postmenopausal women attending gynecological outpatient clinics for routine evaluation. Participants undergo a standardized transvaginal ultrasound performed by an expert operator according to the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group criteria, with systematic assessment of pelvic compartments and soft markers.

Ultrasound findings suggestive of deep endometriosis and/or endometrioma-like cysts are recorded and morphologically characterized. Clinical data, including demographic variables, reproductive history, pain symptoms during reproductive life, and hormonal exposure after menopause, are collected using a structured questionnaire and medical records.

The primary objective is to determine the prevalence and describe the sonographic phenotype of suspected endometriosis-related findings in postmenopausal women. Secondary objectives include identifying clinical factors associated with these findings through multivariable analysis and improving the differentiation between benign residual lesions and clinically relevant or suspicious pathology in this setting.

Inclusion criteria

• Women aged ≥50 years
• Postmenopausal status, defined as ≥12 consecutive months of spontaneous amenorrhea not attributable to pregnancy, lactation, medical therapy, or other pathological causes
• Attendance at participating gynecological outpatient clinics for routine examination
• Ability to undergo transvaginal ultrasound examination
• Ability to provide informed consent EXCLUSION CRITERIA
• Previous surgical and/or radiological diagnosis of endometriosis
• History of hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy (any surgical approach)
• Active pelvic malignancy at the time of enrollment
• Inability to undergo or tolerate transvaginal ultrasound examination (e.g., severe introital stenosis, vaginismus, or never sexually active)
• Non-interpretable ultrasound examination due to technical limitations