nerve pain in left hip

i'm having shooting pains in my left hip, its so sharp its makes me feel weak, it only last a few seconds and its really bad when i'm having my period.  Don't want to bother my doctor.  Any advise would be greatfully received.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi bluelilyruth,

Why is it that you do not want to bother your doctor when you are clearly suffering? I would suspect that your doctor would be sad to think that you feel hestitant to get checked out. I have to say that I am distressed if I discover that a pateint of mine has not called me when they are suffering.

So my advice is that you should make an apointment to see your doctor and discuss your symptoms. You need a pelvic exam, a rectal exam, and you may need some xrays.

The symptoms you describe could be from a gynecologic problem such as endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that looks just like the tissue of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) can grow on the ovary, tube, lining of the abdomen, appendix, bowel, or even in the vagina. This can cause pain that is worse during a period.

Hip pain can be due to a problem in the hip socket such as an inflammation of the joint, a dislocation, or a fracture.

Hip pain can represent a problem with a slipped disc as the major    nerve that goes into the leg - the sciatic nerve runs down the buttocks before entering the back of the leg.

Finally you could can have a problem with the large intestine or rectum. Tumors, cancers, or inflammatory masses in the colon could cause pain in the back, hip, buttocks or leg.

So please do not suffer quietly!
best wishes