Overview
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) share some overlapping clinical features and may co-exist in some patients. There is however no well-established research yet to directly link between POTS and PCS.
Shared Clinical Features
– Predominantly affect women (ages 15-50)
– Chronic fatigue and orthostatic symptoms
– PCS presents with pelvic pain; POTS itself does not
– Worsening with prolonged standing
– Hormonal sensitivity (e.g., estrogen)
– Possible autonomic or venous pooling overlap
Hypothesized Connections
- Venous pooling: Both may involve abnormal blood pooling in the lower body or pelvis.
- Vascular dysregulation: Possible shared connective tissue or vein wall laxity (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome).
- Neurovascular interaction: Pelvic vein distension may impact autonomic tone indirectly.
Lacking Research Linking the two conditions
– No peer-reviewed studies directly link POTS with PCS.
– No case reports document improvement in POTS after PCS treatment.
– No studies compare or integrate pathophysiology between the two.
– The relationship remains anecdotal and unproven in the medical literature as of July 2025.
Clinical Relevance
– Consider evaluating for PCS in complex POTS patients with pelvic pain.
– Consider PCS venous embolization for pelvic pain.
Treatment for PCS:
Learn More about Venous Embolisation for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) https://sydneyfibroidclinic.com.au/pelvic-congestion/pelvic-congestion-treatment/