Severe Menstrual Discomfort
Age: 20 Gender: Female Height: 165 cm Weight: 56 kg Relevant Medical Condition: Diagnosed with POTS Hello again, I'm reaching out for some assistance. I received my period on Wednesday after a delay of two weeks, and I've been feeling extremely unwell. Typically, I experience intense menstrual cramps (I've consulted with doctors several times), but this time it's been significantly more severe. I'm feeling weak all over, with the pain extending into my legs and feet, but the intensity is truly overwhelming this time. At one point, I considered going to the emergency room due to the unbearable pain; I was in tears and felt like I might faint. However, my parents advised against it and suggested I get some rest instead. My feet are cold and painful, and no amount of warmth seems to ease the discomfort. The ache in my legs and feet is nearly as severe as the cramps themselves. I feel incredibly weak, as if fainting is imminent, and even lifting my arms is painful. Standing upright is a challenge because of the intensity of the cramps, and I'm experiencing drastic temperature fluctuations; one moment I'm too warm, the next I'm freezing, despite my feet remaining icy even when I feel overheated. Apologies for the graphic details, but even urinating is painful—it's not the typical burning sensation associated with a UTI, but rather a feeling akin to my uterus being compressed, as exaggerated as that sounds. I have been taking codeine, paracetamol, and ibuprofen/Nurofen, but none have provided any relief, not even a little. The pain in my legs and feet is a deep, persistent ache that refuses to subside. Although I generally prefer not to self-diagnose, several people have suggested that I might have endometriosis. I'm aware of my POTS diagnosis and wonder if it could be related, just thought I’d mention it in case it sheds light on my symptoms. I am currently 20 and had my first period at the age of 14. My menstrual cycle typically lasts around 8 days, during which I generally remain inactive due to illness. I don't mean to sound like I'm looking for pity; I genuinely seek advice about this situation since I'm uncertain about the next steps to take.
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 11:31:13 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the terrible discomfort you’re experiencing during your period. It sounds like you’re going through a profoundly painful time, and your symptoms, particularly the weakness, severe pain, and temperature fluctuations, are understandably distressing.
Main Points:
- Severe menstrual cramps and systemic symptoms warrant careful attention.
- POTS might play a role in your experience, and other conditions like endometriosis could be possible.
- Immediate self-care steps focus on managing pain and monitoring symptoms.
Explanation:
Menstrual pain, especially when accompanied by significant systemic symptoms like weakness, coldness in the extremities, and temperature changes, can indicate underlying conditions that may need further evaluation. Your diagnosis of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can indeed influence your menstrual symptoms, as hormonal changes can affect blood volume and circulation. It's also worth considering that conditions like endometriosis could cause the severe pain you’re feeling.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Rest and Hydrate: Ensure you are well-hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or herbal teas, to prevent dehydration, which can worsen feelings of weakness.
-
Gentle Heat Therapy: While warmth hasn’t helped much, consider applying a heating pad directly to your abdomen or feet, alongside taking a warm bath if it feels comfortable. Heat might help relax pelvic muscles and ease cramps a little.
-
Monitor Symptoms Weekly: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting not only pain levels but also associated feelings (like weakness or faintness). Note if symptoms change, improve, or worsen over a week.
-
Pain Management Alternatives: If over-the-counter medications haven’t provided relief, and if your symptoms persist, consider asking for changes in medications with guidance from a healthcare professional. Hormonal treatments, like some types of birth control, are helpful for many individuals experiencing severe menstrual discomfort.
-
Seeking Medical Attention: Given the severity you described and the lack of relief from standard pain management, please consider returning to your healthcare provider. Be sure to explain the intensity of your symptoms and how it affects your daily life, as well as any thoughts you have regarding POTS and possible endometriosis. They may recommend imaging or additional tests to explore these possibilities thoroughly.
It’s important to take your symptoms seriously and seek help when needed. You’re doing the right thing by reaching out for assistance. Let me know if you have any further concerns or need more information.
Related Questions
Interpreting High CRP and Sed Rate Results
Hello! This is my first entry in a community like this, so I welcome any guidance you might have. I’m a 27-year-old female, weighing 170 lbs and standing at 5'4". My test results show a CRP level of 38.7 and a Sed Rate of 38. For the past three to four weeks, I have been experiencing severe discomfort characterized by intermittent intense aches and cramps affecting my knees, hips, calves, and the insides of my arms. Alongside these pains, I also have full-body chills and sweating, which contribute to an overall sense of misery. The sensations are so overwhelming that they often bring me to tears, lasting several hours. I hesitated to visit urgent care because I had an appointment scheduled with my primary care physician. I saw him yesterday, and after reviewing my situation, he ordered some lab tests, which revealed these abnormalities. I reached out to the clinic this morning to discuss my results with the nurse but have not yet received a response. I am curious whether there might be a connection between these lab results and the symptoms I’ve been experiencing. Also, would it be unreasonable or an overreaction to go to the emergency room considering how excruciating the pain has become?
Navigating Orthopedic Concerns: A Personal Journey
Profile Summary: - Age: 33 years - Height: 5'2" - Weight: 145 lbs Current Medications: - Methylphenidate, 27 mg daily - Bupropion, 300 mg daily - Nurtec, 75 mg ODT as required - Junel/Hailey/whatever FE, 1.5 mg daily (continuous) - Ketamine ODT, 500 mg, on an as-needed basis I had been using cyclosporine drops, but due to financial constraints, I haven’t used them in three months. Health Complications: - A significant hypermobility issue is present, which seems to be the primary concern. - The comprehensive list of diagnoses includes autism, ADHD, major depressive disorder, chronic joint and nerve pain, frequent subluxations due to hypermobility, motor tic disorder, ongoing fatigue with episodes of sudden sleepiness, chronic migraines, sensitivity to light, dry eye syndrome, mast cell activation (leading to hives and rashes), Raynaud's phenomenon, managed vitamin deficiencies, chronic low alkaline phosphatase levels, long-standing gynecological issues possibly related to endometriosis (currently in pursuit of treatment), and a compromised immune system leading to frequent illnesses (over ten times a year). I have lived with significant joint pain for most of my life, which I tended to overlook—characteristic behavior of someone accustomed to chronic pain. I truly take notice only when the pain renders me nearly incapacitated. Growing up, I developed an odd sense of guilt about not feeling well, and I’m actively trying to combat that mindset. The wrist has been my most persistent issue, showing increased pain and vulnerability to injury lately. I’ve been contemplating visiting urgent care for an X-ray while the pain is still present, but I find it hard to justify going to urgent care for something I’ve tolerated for over twenty years. I constantly argue with myself about whether waiting a few more weeks for a specialist appointment is worth it, despite having dealt with this for decades. As I consider my next steps, I’m uncertain whether obtaining imaging prior to my orthopedic consultation would be beneficial, or if it’s best to let the orthopedic specialist handle everything. I’ve read that wrist problems might often be overlooked by general practitioners, yet I wonder if having specialist insight would expedite diagnosis and treatment. The dilemma also includes whether imaging is essential only during painful episodes or if there’s value in imaging during periods when my wrist feels okay, only to experience cracking upon certain movements. In some instances, testing is advised only during active symptoms. If I’m indeed subluxating, wouldn’t that logic apply? This issue takes a backseat to other pressing health matters currently on my agenda. I have a few appointments scheduled in the next two weeks, which could drain my finances and limit my ability to seek additional treatments. However, imaging could be arranged promptly, making it easy to handle, and I want to ensure it’s effective and straightforward. I’m making the decision to finally confront these health challenges—an intimidating step for me. I risk second-guessing my choices at the slightest hint of complications; today, I almost canceled my highest priority appointment but was persuaded to continue with it. Then I was faced with wrist pain that prompted deeper thoughts about my situation. It takes significant effort to embrace the idea of treatment. For the sake of those I care about, I want to improve my health.
Feeling Stuck with My Tonsillitis Dilemma
Hello there. I’m a 22-year-old female and recently relocated to a new state. Currently, I’m navigating the insurance process, which has been quite time-consuming. About two weeks ago, I visited urgent care for a painful sore throat and ended up spending $180 on the consultation. The diagnosis? Tonsillitis. Fortunately, tests for both strep throat and mono came back negative. ** Initially, I was given a 10-day course of penicillin. The physician seemed unsure whether the infection was viral or bacterial. To alleviate my discomfort, I’ve been using ibuprofen, occasionally taking Mucinex, and relying on cough drops. Additionally, I’ve been doing warm saltwater gargles and staying hydrated. Fast forward two weeks—while the white patches on my tonsils have largely diminished, there’s still some lingering swelling. ** I reached out to urgent care again since they advised following up if symptoms persisted. My throat pain has eased a bit, mainly occurring when swallowing, which now feels sharp and uncomfortable. What’s particularly distressing is the tight sensation in my throat. Swallowing pills has become a challenge, not impossible, but quite difficult nonetheless. Plus, I’ve noticed that my breathing has been somewhat shallow. ** The doctor suggested I should have a virtual consultation for $75. However, when I checked, it indicated that no physicians were available. As I am currently looking for work, the thought of spending another $180 for an in-person visit feels like an unnecessary financial burden. ** Does anyone have any insights on why my tonsillitis symptoms are still lingering and how I might find relief? ** Thank you!
Dealing with Knee Discomfort
Hello! I am a 17-year-old girl without any existing health issues, but I would like to understand how to manage the discomfort in my knee. At this point, I’m hesitant to visit a physician, as I’m unsure if the symptoms I’m experiencing are serious. This discomfort has persisted for several months. The pain I feel is localized in my left knee and has a consistent presence. I find that bending my knee helps alleviate some of the unease, but when I try to keep it straight while lying down, a sense of discomfort arises. While it isn't exactly painful, it certainly feels quite unpleasant. Additionally, when I stand for prolonged periods, approximately 20 to 30 minutes, I begin to feel fatigued, and my knees and feet start to ache. The sensation isn’t what I would classify as soreness, yet my legs and feet genuinely hurt, and I sometimes struggle to walk. To provide some relief, I occasionally tap the upper area of my knee, but this doesn’t seem to help much. I’ve also experimented with compression bandages and tried anti-inflammatory medications along with pain relief patches, yet nothing seems to alleviate the issue. I cannot recall any incident where I might have injured my knee; the discomfort seemed to develop spontaneously. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice on how to cope with this? 😭
Persistent Pain on Lower Left Side
Greetings! I'm reaching out to the Reddit community as I'm feeling quite uncertain about my situation. For the last week, I've been experiencing intense, relentless pain on the lower left side of my abdomen and back. I went to the hospital, where they conducted tests on my blood and urine. The results showed only a slight increase in my white blood cell count, and they detected some blood in my urine. However, they attributed this to my menstrual cycle, even though I had not menstruated in about three weeks, making that explanation seem unlikely. An ultrasound was performed to check for kidney stones, but no issues were found. I was discharged with pain relievers and antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. Three days later, the pain persisted at an unbearable level, prompting me to consult my general practitioner, who then referred me to a medical specialist. They re-evaluated my blood and urine but reported “nothing significant” in the blood. The presence of blood in my urine was noted again. When I inquired about a CT scan, they declined, stating it “wasn’t justified” based on previous tests. Instead, I was sent home with prescriptions for diclofenac and codeine and was advised to “stay active,” as they suggested it might just be a muscular issue or period-related discomfort. It's now been two days and the pain remains unchanged in my back and has intensified in my abdomen. I'm feeling quite lost about the next steps to take. They refuse to perform any imaging tests, and none of the prescribed medications seem effective. Should I wait it out for another week to see if anything changes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! For context, I’m an 18-year-old female, approximately 5'3" and weighing 60 kg, and I'm generally in good health otherwise.