worsening low back pain, periods stopped

[Miss Pickles]

I am a 49 yr old female, married, no children.  About 4 or 5 months ago, I started having lower back pain.  At the same time, I stopped having periods.  The back pain started out as a stabbing pain in my lower left back, but has progressed to a chronic diffuse pain in that area and now also on the right side.  Went to GP, got exray, shows arthritis in lumbar spine. Started traction therapy last week.  Pain much worse afterwards. The thing is, I have arthritis elsewhere and it doesn't hurt like this.  Usually, the pain is almost non-existent in the morning when I wake up, but is unrelenting by night. In addition, I've been having about 20 super hot flashes per day. My husband says I feel like molten lava to him (I used to be cold all of the time).  I must be entering menopause, yet I also have the back pain.  In addition, I get constipated for a few days, then the floodgates open, then back to constipation for a few days.  Fecal blood test negative.  Also, I've had two back-to-back UTIs and four very bad colds in 5 months, and am very tired.  I hadn't had a cold for years before this.  I'm fearing this is more than arthritis and menopause, as now it also hurts to have intercourse.  Anyone have any ideas or have had similar symptoms diagnosed?

[catied7995]

you may ask the obgyn about cysts in your uterus or tubes. your case sounds much like my sisters and this was her cause.

[Miss Pickles]

Thanks.  I made an appt for a pap smear and in the meantime, have been getting traction for my back, which hasn't helped at all after 2 sessions.  Actually, the pain was worse after the first session.  In addition, I have a new symptom, pain with intercourse.  Maybe I should head over to the gynecology forum as well as the thyroid forum.  Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[Shebah]

Hi...

Sorry I havent been able to check back earlier. I asked about the cortisol because excess amounts can cause back pain as well as some other stuff. It also sets back your immune system. If you have your thyroid levels you should post them in the thyroid section. Alot of people are told they are normal by there doctors but are having symptoms all the same. I certainly know about that, I was one of them. Another thing.. If the doctor is checking to see if you are in menopause he will be checking out some hormones and thats good!

Get better soon.

[Miss Pickles]

Thanks for the info, I did not know that about menopause.  I'm making an appt tomorrow.  I had the usual annual "inspection" last June, so I'm about due.  Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question.

[slcjimmy69]

Sciatica, or pain along the sciatic nerve, can cause pain, weakness, numbness ....

[alchris]

Have you seen a GYN to find out why periods stopped suddenly.  Usually with menopause its gradual and doesnt come on suddenly.  Please have a GYN check you out.

[Miss Pickles]

Thanks, Shebah.  I forgot to mention I had some tests done, thyroid ok.  Cortisol not checked, though, so I will ask for that.  Why do you mention Cortisol?  Also, have small amt of hemoglobin and white blood cells in urine, otherwise everything okay in that realm.  My CBC was fine.

[Shebah]

Have your cortisol levels checked out as well as your thyroid.