Monthly issues - need advice ASAP

Hey all - I've had this problem for a while but I really only just started to connect the dots today. To start off I'll say I'm NOT sexually active - I know that could affect some stuff but it can't be the case with me.

Anyway, for years I've had a fairly recurrent pain in my side. I've been to the hospital twice with this and my doctor a few times. Tests show - bloods, x-rays, ultrasounds - there's nothing wrong with my body at all. Four months ago, the last time I went to the hospital, I realised something: it happens bad around menstruation. Last month this was confirmed; the amount of pain I was on in the first day...it felt like someone had stabbed my side, it was that bad. But there's more to this story than that. Earlier this year, I stopped eating and went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with Anxiety and was put on a 10mg gram dose of anti-depressants. But the last few months, I've noticed another pattern: an intense feeling of hopelessness, depression and emotional distress that occours anywhere from a few days to a two weeks before the start of menstruation...and when it starts, those feelings are resolved and the pain starts.

Late last year, my doctor put me on the pill to help with acne. It helped, but it also made me aggressive, bloated and depressed. I went off it because of this. I've always had the pain, but the severity is new, as is the severe emotional distress - it's bad enough to make me want to hurt myself My mother has informed me that after she was pregnant, the doctors told her she had endometriosis.I know that causes pain but I don't know about the depression...what does, however, is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

I need help with this - what do I do? Should I go to my doctor (I don't have a gyno, we don't go to one normally without a referral in Australia) and get...something? Because I can't take this horrible sharp pain, and the depression and anxiety, much longer.

Hello Lilium_Bellator,

Sorry to hear you are in such pain...
Has your doctor told you it's Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?
If not, I'd say it's better to show your doctor once again.
He can give you a diagnosis and something to help you with the pain and your emotional distress.
The anxiety and depression can really cripple your life and relationships...
And this disorder, from what i know, requires individualized treatment, there's no specific drug to treat it... and your doctor will be able to do that.

Take care,

Endo would show up in an ultra-sound and would also have other physical symptoms, not just pain, at least from what others I've known to have it, have said about it.

Can you get a referral to a OBGYN? To address the monthly pain and recurrent depression. Could the med you are currently on, be part of the reason you are feeling the way you are? AD's aren't always effective. And, if your AD is anything like the AD I was once on, it could be a side effect, that needs to be addressed!!

Hey, thanks for replying, both of you. You both brought up a few questions that I'm now going to answer.

Amity1309 - no, the doctor has not given me a diagnosis, currently the pain I get has no reason. I'll bring it up with her at my next appointment which will be in a few weeks. Until then, I plan on going on the recommended diet to see if that makes a difference - I don't relish the thought of being on drugs the rest of my life...though, I wouldn't mind just getting surgery and having it all taken out...

Healingme4me - I've actually heard that it doesn't show up in an ultrasound; a website dedicated to the condition states the only surefire way is a laparoscopy. As for other symptoms, I also get constipation, back pain, leg pain and tiredness, which are on the list. The other symptoms I can't comment are all sexual and I am not, nor ever have been, active. As for a referral to an OBGYN....I love my country, I do, but Australia is not perfect. To get into the public system would mean a waiting list for two years and I can't afford private because I'm currently unemployed. So that kinda rules that out, unfortunately. From what I can find, my AD is a low dosage...but I just found on a website that it increases the chance of self harm, which I have done, and worsening depression...is my AD doing me more harm than good? Should I go off it?

About the endo - Lilium you are right, it wouldn't show on an ultrasound unless there is a cyst, or an unusually large endo deposit. The symptoms you mention fit with endo, though of course I am no doctor. I would really try to get to see a gynae the fastest way you can, preferably one that specializes in endo. It is a hormonal condition so could be affecting your moods as well. I have endo and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Hey all,

Just giving everyone who commented on this an update. I've been to my doctor and told her of my suspicions. She didn't dismiss them, as I was afraid she would, but she hasn't got me in with a specialist yet. Instead, I'm to keep a diary of the next two months to document when I get the pain, how bad, etc. I also got a prescription for heavy painkillers because Panadol doesn't do a thing for me.

Not the best solution in the world I guess, but perhaps after the two months and she sees its consistent, we can figure out what to do from there.

I had a bout of endometriosis towards the end of perimenopause, like sometime in the last 5 or so years of my periods. Omg it felt like I had a 6 foot long 2x2 piece of wood stuck thru my left ovary - try walking around with that! The lady doctor said it could be a microscopic piece of tissue impinging on a nerve ending. I was like, really?? And it would hurt like that?? She said yep, just a DOT. I used a heating pad when I wasn't working, and massaged the area with my hands and fingers as much as I could stand it, but still fairly gently. I mean, you don't want to break anything in there, it's all squishy stuff! But you totally have my sympathies. And don't wait until the pain is real bad before you take a pain reliever - if you take a medication that stops inflammation, that will stop the pain from being so bad. Like instead of letting it reach 100 and trying to lower it to 60, you take meds at 40 and then it only goes up to 60.

I do, stand corrected. Will they perform the laparoscopy, then?!

I'd discuss, with your doctor, the side effects of your AD. I wouldn't do anything, without consulting with them, first. AD's aren't designed to come off cold turkey.

Hey, so glad to hear you have seen your dr and she didn't dismiss you. That is actually a huge step, as lots of women have problems getting drs to even think of endo! Are you going to note your mood symptoms as well? As endo is a hormonal condition, mood problems can be a part of it. Btw, my first symptom was excruciating pain in my side, same as you and Hankster. Let us know how you are doing!