OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Answers: Unusual Symptoms in a 17-Year-Old Girl

I'm a 17-year-old female, weighing 110 pounds and measuring 5 feet 2 inches tall. I have no notable medical history aside from occasional migraines, which I don't believe are relevant to my current concerns. Recently, I sought advice on another subreddit regarding certain symptoms I’ve been experiencing, and several users suggested that ovarian cysts might be the cause. This possibility had not crossed my mind until now, as most of my symptoms are concentrated in the upper portion of my abdomen. To provide some context, I take Pizotifen daily and use Ponstan and tranexamic acid during my menstrual cycle. My periods have always been heavy, but they were not typically irregular or extraordinary. However, over the past few months, I experienced varying symptoms: prolonged black, sticky bleeding lasting for two weeks, large blood clots, occasional urethral bleeding, and periods that fluctuated between being significantly lighter and heavier than normal—at times requiring a box of super plus tampons in a single day. One concerning incident occurred last night when I urinated and distinctly observed bright red blood, which was more than just a small amount. That being said, my primary concern lies with the visible and tangible changes I have been noticing over the past few months. All these changes are located above my belly button, and I'm unsure if cysts can form in that area. The right side of my abdomen has become completely rigid, extending from the center towards my hip, and only above my belly button. It feels like a rugged, uneven mass. In contrast, the left side remains soft enough to press down a couple of knuckles deep, while the right side resists any pressure. Particularly around my belly button and extending to the right side until my back, I can feel a pronounced, hard tube-like structure lodged inside me. This mass is immovable—it cannot be pushed or shifted, and I can feel several additional hard areas beneath my ribs, though this one stands out as the most pronounced. Furthermore, I often sense something moving up and down within my abdomen. I can detect this movement with my hands, and when I breathe deeply or draw my stomach in, I can actually see it moving. Initially located centrally, this movement has shifted more to the right and rolls over the rigid area. It feels as if two different forces are at play; the motion is slow, almost like something is tethered or navigating through a dense medium, and its size seems to vary. Additionally, inflating my lower abdomen (below the hardened section) during deep breaths has become impossible. This issue arose suddenly a few months back and was quite painful at first, although it no longer hurts. When I attempt to take deep breaths, the upper part of my stomach protrudes abnormally, resembling a balloon inflating, while the lower section remains motionless. For the past several months, I've also dealt with inconsistent constipation—resulting in only small, tic-tac sized bowel movements—and diarrhea.

Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 3:31:14 PM

OpenHealth AI

Given your detailed description of symptoms, it’s essential to consider a few critical points. You’re experiencing significant changes in your abdominal area along with unusual menstrual patterns and blood in your urine, which are concerning and warrant attention. While ovarian cysts could be one possibility, the rigidity, movement you described, and the patterns of bleeding suggest that additional evaluation is necessary.

Explanation

1. Symptoms of Concern: The rigid area in your abdomen, along with the blood in your urine and changes in your menstrual cycle, could indicate several conditions requiring prompt medical evaluation, such as:

   • Ovarian cysts or other ovarian issues
   • Possible abdominal or pelvic masses
   • Issues related to your urinary tract
   • Other gastrointestinal concerns

2. Abdominal Rigidity & Movement: The hard, immovable tube-like structure you can feel, along with the movement, could be related to an organ (like the intestines) or other abdominal masses. It’s atypical for ovarian cysts to cause such prominent symptoms, especially if the rigidity is primarily on one side.

Next Steps

Here are prioritized actions to consider:

1. Seek Immediate Care: Your symptoms, such as the rigid mass and visible blood in your urine, are concerning and should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional urgently. This might include:

   • An abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the rigid area and check for cysts or masses.
   • Blood tests to assess for anemia (from potential heavy bleeding) and overall health status.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Until you can get medical attention, keep a detailed record of your symptoms:

   • Note any changes in the size or consistency of the rigid area.
   • Track any further bleeding episodes (e.g., urine and menstrual).
   • Make note of bowel movements and their characteristics (e.g., size and consistency).

3. Avoid Strain: Given the discomfort and rigidity in your abdomen, minimize physical pressure on your abdominal area and avoid any heavy lifting.

Reassurance

I understand that these symptoms are very distressing, especially at your age. It's important to remember that many abdominal issues can be diagnosed and managed effectively, so seeking professional help will provide the clarity needed for proper treatment. Please take action soon, and prioritize your health and well-being. Let me know if there's anything else you would like more information on.