Aa
period pain
Hi. Before my period I get pain on the left side of my abdomen and then the pain goes to my leg. I just want to know if that is normal. It started when I stopped using the pill about a year ago. Can u please help.
Thanks for the advice. I would just do that.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
If you were my patient, I would ask you to keep a symptom diary to find out if you are also constipated or having fewer bowel movements during this time. The colon lies on the left side of the body, and progesterone which has its highest levels just before the period causes constipation. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries after ovulation, and is not produced when women are taking contraceptive pills. This all fits with your history. If you are constipated or having relatively fewer bowel movements during this time in the cycle, you could try increasing fibre and water intake ( Benefiber) as well as taking something like milk of magnesia to help your bowels overcome the effects of progesterone.
If you don't have this symptom, there is a possibility that endometriosis could be causing your symptoms. Endometriosis also causes worse symptoms just before the period and is "calmed down" by oral contraceptive pills.
I would definitely check out the bowels first! The only way to diagnose endometriosis for certain is with laparoscopy--it might be easier to re-start the pills.
Good luck!
Dr B
If you were my patient, I would ask you to keep a symptom diary to find out if you are also constipated or having fewer bowel movements during this time. The colon lies on the left side of the body, and progesterone which has its highest levels just before the period causes constipation. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries after ovulation, and is not produced when women are taking contraceptive pills. This all fits with your history. If you are constipated or having relatively fewer bowel movements during this time in the cycle, you could try increasing fibre and water intake ( Benefiber) as well as taking something like milk of magnesia to help your bowels overcome the effects of progesterone.
If you don't have this symptom, there is a possibility that endometriosis could be causing your symptoms. Endometriosis also causes worse symptoms just before the period and is "calmed down" by oral contraceptive pills.
I would definitely check out the bowels first! The only way to diagnose endometriosis for certain is with laparoscopy--it might be easier to re-start the pills.
Good luck!
Dr B
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