Mrs. D.,

Actually, estrogen continues to be produced after menopause by the fat cells. It is Estrone which is converted from the androgens by the adrenal glands. Granted it is in much smaller amounts but it is still circulated.

Also, the definition of Central Pain Syndrome has more to do with damage or dysfunction of the CNS, brain, brainstem and spinal cord. Which is why opiates rarely work for this type of pain. I believe what you are referring to may be Chronic Pain Syndrome. And/or hyperalgesia associated with the opioids.

The way it was explained to me in regards to Central Pain Syndrome was that occipital neuralgia/cervicogenic headaches and/or nerve damage from all of this left "central sensitization" or "windup"...NOT from the medications...but from the initial damage.