31-Year-Old Woman Experiences Sharp Throbbing Pain in Abdominal Region
Age: 31 Gender: Female Smoking Status: Non-smoker Current Medications: Lexapro, Strattera Height/Weight: 5’1”, 115 lbs General Health: No significant medical concerns Background: At 31 years old and a mother of three, with my youngest child born just 15 months ago, I’ve been managing my health relatively well. I was recently diagnosed with adenomyosis following complaints of severe pelvic discomfort that feels like a hammer striking my pelvic bones during menstruation. Fortunately, my periods aren't particularly heavy. Now, to address my main concern: I occasionally experience an excruciating, throbbing sensation on both sides of my abdomen, located precisely where my hands would rest if I were to place them on my hips, just above the hip bones. These episodes can last anywhere from five to thirty minutes, and the pain is so severe that it genuinely feels as though my organs are being squeezed tightly. When these painful bouts occur, I find myself immobilized by the agony. Even in the intervals between these attacks, I consistently feel a lingering sense of soreness or swelling in that particular area. I’ve tried researching online, but the results often suggest conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or endometriosis, none of which resonate with my situation since I do not experience any additional bowel-related issues.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 8:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to acknowledge the sharp, throbbing pain you’re experiencing, as it's causing significant discomfort and limiting your daily activities. While you have a diagnosis of adenomyosis that can cause pelvic pain, the nature of your current symptoms suggests there may be more at play. Conditions like endometriosis or muscle-related issues could also be relevant, even if they don’t fully match your experience.
Explanation: The pain you describe, which is localized to the area above your hips, lasting from five to thirty minutes, may stem from a few potential sources. These can include referred pain from adenomyosis, pelvic floor muscle tension, or even something metabolic or connective tissue-related. Severe pain that feels like squeezing in the abdomen should always be evaluated carefully to rule out other causes.
Next Steps:
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of when the pain occurs, its intensity, duration, and any activities that may trigger or relieve it. This can help identify patterns and potential triggers.
-
Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen) as needed while monitoring your symptoms. Heat pads or warm baths might also help alleviate some discomfort.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments: Consider gentle exercises like stretching, yoga, or pelvic floor physical therapy to help relieve muscle tension in the pelvic area. These can also help improve pelvic health.
-
Consult a Specialist: Although you seek to manage your condition at home, consider scheduling a visit with a gynecologist or a pain specialist who understands chronic pelvic pain. Discuss all your symptoms, your adenomyosis, and any new concerns.
-
Monitor for Changes: If the pain worsens, becomes more frequent, or if you begin experiencing new symptoms (such as changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or fever), it is important to reassess your situation with a healthcare professional promptly.
If this situation continues to affect your quality of life, seeking comprehensive support and exploring all avenues for pain relief will be beneficial. Please remember to care for your emotional health too, as persistent pain and managing a busy family life can be incredibly challenging.
Related Questions
Struggling with Kidney Stones and Waiting for Surgery
I’m a 33-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing around 200 pounds. On December 23rd, I experienced an episode of excruciating pain that was completely unprecedented for me. It culminated in a bout of vomiting, after which the pain surprisingly subsided. Given the intensity of my discomfort, I made the decision to visit the emergency room. After examination, it was revealed that a 9mm stone was blocking one of my kidneys, leading to a urinary infection. I was hospitalized for three days, during which I received intravenous antibiotics. They performed a minor procedure to insert a kidney stent, and I was informed that they intended to break down the stone, but that procedure did not take place. Fast forward to the present; I still have that same stent in place. I have been on a prolonged waiting list for surgery to eliminate both the stent and the stone. During this waiting period, I tested positive for a urinary tract infection and was prescribed various antibiotics. Unfortunately, the infection keeps recurring despite urine tests, prompting my urologist to recommend levofloxacin. I am quite anxious about the potential side effects of levofloxacin. Additionally, it seems my surgeon is postponing my stone removal and instead opting just to change the stents. Throughout this ordeal, I have been in excruciating pain, severely impacting my work and overall quality of life. I often find myself spending time in the bathroom, struggling to urinate, or crying from the relentless pain. I rarely leave the house aside from work due to my constant need for a bathroom. Nights are particularly difficult, as sleeping is nearly impossible because of the discomfort caused by the stent and the never-ending urge to go. I feel lost and overwhelmed, and I seriously doubt I can endure this situation for two more months without significant relief.
Persistent White Spots on Tonsils: Seeking Insights
A 24-year-old female, currently using the contraceptive pill Lo Loestrin Fe, maintains a regimen of various vitamins and supplements. These include vitamin D, Elderberry, a multivitamin containing iron to address mild anemia, and a vaginal probiotic. She abstains from alcohol and tobacco. Lately, she has been experiencing recurring white spots on her tonsils. These occurrences started in May 2025 and have resurfaced in November 2025, followed by another bout in January 2026 and again in February 2026. Prior to May 2025, she had never encountered this issue. Despite undergoing tests for mononucleosis, strep throat, COVID-19, and several sexually transmitted infections, all results have returned negative. Medical professionals have suggested that the condition is likely viral in nature. Typically, she does not experience significant symptoms aside from a mild sore throat. She is now seeking possible explanations or insights into her condition.
Persistent Pain in the Neck and Shoulder Region
Hello, I'm a 35-year-old woman dealing with persistent pain in my neck and right shoulder since 2015. I experience two distinct types of discomfort: 1. An intense, sharp pain that strikes suddenly on the outer part of my shoulder. This pain is debilitating; I can't grip anything when it occurs, and I must tense my muscles and apply firm pressure to the area to alleviate it. 2. A dull ache that radiates from the right side of my neck down through my bicep and into my wrist. This discomfort can linger for several days. While ibuprofen offers some relief, it's not very effective. During severe episodes, I find it hard to concentrate, often relegating myself to bed. The sensation can be likened to hot water cascading over my skin. Interestingly, I dislocated my shoulder when I was five, though my parents can't recall which side, and my medical records don't clarify it. I notice that these pain episodes tend to arise under specific circumstances: 1. At the start of my menstrual period, 2. Mid-cycle during ovulation, 3. Following intense emotional moments, like crying. In the past, I experienced periods where the discomfort vanished: 1. While using the progesterone-only contraceptive pill, 2. Throughout my pregnancy and for several months afterward, 3. For a couple of years in between, although I'm uncertain about the cause. After consulting a pain specialist, I underwent an x-ray and MRI, which showed no abnormalities. He suggested that I might have thoracic outlet syndrome and prescribed nortriptyline, which significantly reduced my pain. However, I halted the medication during my pregnancy, and now the discomfort is reemerging. I have concerns about the compatibility of nortriptyline with venlafaxine, which I am currently taking. I'm feeling uncertain about whether thoracic outlet syndrome is indeed the correct diagnosis or if there are alternative explanations. The relationship between my symptoms and hormonal as well as emotional triggers adds to my confusion. I'd prefer to find a permanent solution rather than rely on pain medication for the long term. Thank you for any insights you can provide!
Vertigo: New Medication or Just a Coincidence?
Yesterday morning, I began a regimen of Budesonide to tackle my microscopic colitis. After trying multiple treatments with no success, I found myself exhausted from the constant bouts of severe diarrhea. Although I’ve been hesitant to use steroids due to my type 1 diabetes, I deemed this option necessary. Around 1 am, I experienced an episode of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) unlike any I've encountered before. I was unable to get out of bed without help, as the room spun uncontrollably around me, accompanied by intense nausea and sweating. Although I've dealt with vertigo in the past—often unpredictably—it's been over a year since my last serious episode. Typically, I can resolve it using the Epley maneuver, but last night, I was too dizzy and nauseous to attempt any movement. Curious about whether my new medication could be the culprit, I turned to the internet for answers. While I know that online sources aren’t always reliable, I discovered that BPPV might indeed be a side effect of Budesonide. They advised seeking medical attention if the symptoms became worse. At the ER, they administered meclizine and IV fluids, and conducted a CT scan, EKG, and blood tests. Thankfully, the results cleared me of any serious issues, but they did identify an incidental nodule on my thyroid that requires further investigation. My blood pressure was unstable when I tried to stand, necessitating a prolonged stay for additional hydration, which ultimately eased the lightheadedness. Despite all this, the medical staff couldn't determine whether the onset of my vertigo was related to the steroid or if it was simply a coincidence. I made sure to mention my concerns during the visit. The attending nurse speculated that it was likely not due to the steroids since these medications usually elevate blood pressure. I’ve reached out to my gastroenterologist for clarification, but being the weekend, I’m uncertain whether I will receive a prompt response. For context, I’m a 50-year-old female, weighing 130 lbs at a height of 5'7". My medical history includes type 1 diabetes, EPI, microscopic colitis, gastroparesis, and familial high cholesterol, along with being in perimenopause. I’m currently managing my conditions with insulin, a statin, Zoloft, birth control for hormone replacement therapy, Creon enzymes at every meal, and now Budesonide. I also take vitamin D, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 as supplements.
Experiences with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Linked to an Overactive VMO
Two weeks ago, I embarked on a hiking trip, and afterward, I began to notice symptoms indicative of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) in my left knee. The pain is localized on the inside of my kneecap and becomes particularly pronounced when I walk or descend stairs. Despite following standard recommendations to avoid excessive activity and applying ice, I haven’t seen any improvement in my condition. In my quest for answers, I stumbled upon the possibility that my case may be atypical. I have concerns that my Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) muscle might be overly developed, causing my kneecap to shift laterally, which corresponds with the location of my discomfort. Has anyone else experienced similar issues or encountered comparable cases? If so, I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to proceed. (Age: 22, Male)