OpenHealth Q&A

Could These Symptoms Indicate a Hernia?

I'm a 17-year-old female, weighing 110 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall. I don’t have any significant health issues—aside from occasionally experiencing migraines, which I don’t think are pertinent to my current situation. Last night, I shared my symptoms on another forum and received numerous responses suggesting that ovarian cysts might be the cause. This possibility hadn’t crossed my mind, as most of my noticeable symptoms seem localized to the upper part of my abdomen. If anyone could provide insights, I'd be truly grateful. To begin with, I regularly use Pizotifen, and during my menstrual cycle, I take Ponstan and tranexamic acid. My periods have historically been heavy, but they never showed unusual clotting. Over the past few months, however, I've experienced various symptoms, most of which have been intermittent. These include a two-week span of dark, sticky bleeding, substantial blood clots, bleeding from the urethra, and periods that have fluctuated between unusually light and exceptionally heavy—almost requiring an entire box of super plus tampons in just one day. Recently, and only on one occasion, I noticed what I believe was blood in my urine. It was bright red and not just a trace amount; it was quite alarming. That said, my primary concern revolves around the visible and palpable changes in the upper section of my abdomen, just above my navel, which I have noticed for several months now. I’m unsure whether cysts can develop that high up. The right side of my abdomen has become completely hardened, spanning from the center over towards my hip, and is distinctly above my belly button. It feels like an uneven, bumpy slab of stone. In contrast, when I touch the left side, it's soft and pliable—on the right, I can't even push my fingers in by a knuckle's depth. Around my navel, and extending down to my right side and into my back, the abnormality is particularly noticeable. It feels like a rigid, tubular object embedded within my abdomen. It doesn’t move at all and cannot be shifted. There are additional similar hard areas beneath my ribs, but this one seems the most pronounced. Furthermore, I’ve experienced a sensation of something shifting up and down in my abdomen. I can feel this movement with my hands, and when I contract my belly or take a deep breath, I can actually see the movement. Initially, it was centered, but it has now shifted predominantly to the right, rolling over that hard section. The movement is slow and doesn’t seem free; it feels as if it's navigating through a dense area and sometimes feels larger than at other times. I am also unable to expand my lower abdomen (below the hardened section) when I breathe deeply. This inability began abruptly a few months ago and was initially painful, though it’s since subsided. When I attempt deep breathing, the top of my abdomen protrudes in an unusual manner, resembling a balloon inflating, while the lower portion remains motionless. For an extended period, I've dealt with inconsistent constipation—not complete, just very small, tic-tac-sized pieces—and episodes of diarrhea. Additionally, someone suggested that I monitor the pulse above and below that hard area. I noticed that the area above my belly button pulses in unison, while the area below has a separate rhythm, with no overlap. The fact that this variance aligns precisely with where the hardness occurs seems odd to me. I'm open to addressing any questions or providing additional details if necessary.

Answers (1)

7/4/2025, 12:50:56 AM

OpenHealth AI

Your symptoms are quite complex and concerning. While it's understandable that you're looking for insight into whether these could indicate a hernia or another issue, the combination of abdominal hardness, intermittent bleeding, and the sensations you've described warrants urgent attention.

Key Points:

1. Abdominal Hardness and Sensation: The hardened area in your abdomen, especially with distinct differences between the right and left sides, is concerning.
2. Bleeding: The intermittent dark bleeding, significant blood clots, and bright red blood in your urine require immediate evaluation.
3. Changes in Bowel Habits: The described inconsistency in your bowel movements and discomfort during deep breathing further adds to the concerns.

Explanation:

Hernias typically present as a lump or bulge, often associated with discomfort or pain, especially when coughing or straining. You may also experience changes in bowel function. However, the combination of symptoms like significant weight fluctuation, abnormal bleeding from different sites, and pronounced abdominal changes could suggest a more complex issue that might not solely be a hernia.

Conditions like ovarian cysts could cause abdominal pain and pressure but wouldn't typically result in significant hardening or pulsation as you've described.

Next Steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your symptoms, particularly the abdominal hardness and bleeding, warrant prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional. This might include imaging studies (like an ultrasound or CT scan) to assess for possible hernias, cysts, or other abnormalities in the abdomen.

2. Monitor Symptoms Closely: While you're waiting for a consultation, keep a detailed record of any new changes. Note any pain intensity, the frequency and nature of bleeding (both from the vagina and the urethra), and any changes in bowel habits.

3. Avoid Straining: Continue to avoid any activities that may put pressure on your abdomen until you can see a doctor.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you remain well-hydrated and consider eating a balanced diet that may help with your bowel regularity.

5. Assess Pain and Discomfort: If symptoms worsen or if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or significant changes in bleeding, seek care immediately.

Your health is important, and these symptoms are not to be taken lightly. Addressing them as soon as possible will help you find the answers and care needed for your current situation.