OpenHealth Q&A

Monthly Tumors Linked to My Cycle: Seeking Insights

Thank you for taking a moment to read my post and provide any guidance you might have. Your medical insights would be greatly appreciated! ❤️ I’m a 29-year-old woman and have a generally typical menstrual cycle, characterized by mild discomfort and predictable timing. However, since my teenage years, I've experienced the appearance of what I've come to call "tumors" throughout my body on a monthly basis. Typically, I develop between three to five larger ones, and occasionally smaller ones as well. These growths coincide with my menstrual cycle, surfacing anytime from a week prior to my period, during it, or shortly after. The formation of these growths takes around two to four days, during which I feel utterly exhausted, as if they are draining my energy with each step I take. Once they have fully developed, they are not painful and can even be manipulated somewhat—almost as if they are movable. After a week or so, they begin to shrink away without any noticeable heads. They tend to show up in various places on my body, especially in my arms and legs, but I've also spotted them on my neck, head, abdomen, and hips. Strangely, my hands, feet, and face have remained unaffected. I suspect there could be a hormonal connection, as these growths disappeared during my first trimester of pregnancy but returned with a vengeance following my first postpartum period. Over the past 15 years, I’ve discussed my condition with numerous doctors. Initially, my father took me to a family physician during my teenage years, but my concerns were dismissed since the growths resolved on their own. As I transitioned into adulthood, I sought advice from my gynecologist, who echoed the sentiment that there was no cause for concern since they were self-limiting. At this time, I began experimenting with various forms of birth control, but the hormonal options—both pill and IUD—exacerbated the issue, leading to as many as 10 to 15 growths appearing simultaneously. During my pregnancy, I informed my prenatal care provider about these growths. She even examined a small one on my chest but suggested that it was a normal bodily response during pregnancy, and merely documented it for future reference. Unfortunately, they returned promptly after my postpartum period. When I brought this matter up again with my obstetrician following childbirth, she suggested consulting a dermatologist, which hadn’t crossed my mind before. Regrettably, they offered no assistance and directed me back to my ob/gyn. Eventually, my obstetrician recommended a physician who conducted comprehensive blood tests. I’d be happy to share those results if anyone is interested, but they all came back normal, ruling out any autoimmune disorders. The only tentative diagnosis my latest physician proposed was desmoid disease, although my symptoms don't completely align with this condition. As time goes on, managing this situation is becoming increasingly challenging. Just recently, I had to take a day off work to recuperate from the fatigue caused by these episodes. Right now, I'm limping and find it difficult to sit without discomfort; however, I know that the pain will subside soon, and by midweek, they will likely be mostly gone. Now that I have a daughter, I'm especially concerned about any potential hereditary implications and want to be prepared in case she experiences similar issues in the future. I apologize for any lack of clarity in my writing. If you've read this far, I truly appreciate your patience! Thank you in advance for any advice you might have ❤️

Answers (1)

8/2/2025, 3:50:52 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing recurring growths that appear in sync with your menstrual cycle, causing physical fatigue and concern about potential hereditary factors. Your experience is important, and it’s good that you’ve sought insights on this complex issue. Let's address your situation with understanding and provide actionable suggestions.

Main Points:

1. You may be dealing with hormonal responses leading to the formation of benign growths.
2. The growths are self-limiting, but their impact on your energy levels and daily life is concerning.
3. Considering potential underlying hormonal factors could be important for management.

Explanation:

Your description of the growths being movable and non-painful, along with their cyclical nature, suggests they might not be tumors in the traditional sense, especially since they resolve on their own. Changes in hormonal levels during your menstrual cycle and after childbirth could indeed play a significant role in their formation. While you mentioned the tentative diagnosis of desmoid disease, your symptoms may not fully align with it.

The fatigue and physical discomfort you experience during these episodes highlight how they affect your quality of life, making it even more urgent to find effective ways to manage them. As for hereditary implications for your daughter, monitoring is wise, but many benign growths do not have significant genetic links.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary:

   • Document when the growths appear, their locations, duration, and any symptoms experienced, including energy levels. This can help identify patterns or triggers and provide valuable information to healthcare providers.

2. Consult a Dermatologist with Expertise in Hormonal Disorders:

   • Since your previous dermatologist did not provide assistance, look for a specialist who has experience with hormonal growths or skin conditions. A second opinion can be beneficial.

3. Explore Hormonal Management:

   • Discuss alternative hormonal treatments with your healthcare provider, as some women find that adjusting their birth control can help manage cyclical symptoms. Non-hormonal options or lower-dose hormonal methods could be considered.

4. Focus on Self-Care for Energy Management:

   • Prioritize rest during episodes of fatigue. Ensure you’re staying hydrated and consider a balanced diet rich in nutrients to help sustain your energy.

5. Mental Health Support:

   • Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist if the situation is causing you emotional distress. It can be helpful to discuss your concerns and find coping strategies.

I empathize with your situation, especially as a parent concerned about your child's health. While navigating this condition may feel frustrating, actively seeking answers and tailoring your approach to treatment can lead to better management. Let me know if you need further guidance or assistance.