I've have bad stomach pain on the second and third day of my period. It's intense feels like I've been punched/ stabbed/twisted...

[Chimes728]

And looks like I've swallowed a basketball. The first day of my period is just horrible cramps. Second and third day are definitely in my stomach. Having an empty stomach keeps the swelling down a tiny bit. I only have the pain while on my period, not the rest of the month. Does this sound endo related, does anyone else feel this too.

[DSan]

Hi,

May or may not be endo related. I had similar symptoms and was diagnosed with ibs initially as I too was only getting pain around the time of my period before being diagnosed with stage 4endo five years later. But with endo I also started starting suffering from depression and fatigue and even then the doctors didn't suggest endo. It was only suggested when I told them I was having difficulty getting pregnant again. The only way to get a proper diagnosis of endo is via a laparoscopy.

I found that cutting out wheat from my diet really helped.

You could try taking buscopan which is an antispasmodic (available over the counter) which has helped me in the past along with the usual painkillers, but you should definitely speak to your gp.

Take care xx

[Jdgirl030]

Has this always been the case for you? All women will have an increase of prostaglandins during their period which causes bloating and discomfort with the bowels. This normally settles after the first few days. Endo normally feels like intense cramping which cannot be relieved. Almost like you need a poo but without the relief when you go! Then these cramps turn into an internal soreness towards the end of or shortly after a period due to the inflammation and swelling of the body trying to heal the damage that has been caused.

Other symptoms include stabbing pains which happen shortly before your period and sometimes mid cycle. You may also notice mid cycle spotting or pre/post menstrual brown discharge that goes on for more than a couple of days.

Some women with endo have no symptoms at all. Doctors are not sure of why this is.

Endo seems to get worse over time so unless your pain is fairly new for you try not to worry. If this pain is new or feels like it is getting worse over time then you should let your GP know.

Another risk factor is if you have a family history.

It is encouraging that your pain and swelling is just the first few days of your period.

[LMG76]

Hi. I went to the doctors 2 weeks ago because I kept getting stomach pain in the night during my period. It wasn't happening every month. I would get some pain like it every month but then every couple of months I would be awoken by severe stomach pain. The pain is between my belly button and my ribs and is central. It fees as though my stomach is twisting in the same way it would before you throw up with a sickness bug. I have woken up crying before but strong pain killers work. The rest of my period is fine, as is my health. Sometimes it hurts me if my boyfriend is over zealous in certain sexual positions. Last year I took the MAP and three cycles later I had a period on day 20 that lasted three weeks. No other problems at all. So I went to dr with there high pains because I thought it was odd to be in pain there when I am on my period. A scan revealed that I have endometriomas ( chocolate cysts) on both ovaries and two fibroids in my uterus. I don't know anything else as only just found out and seeing consultant on Thursday. I heard chocolate cysts are indicative of stage 4. I do not have any swelling with the pain. My doctor was great. She referred me for an ultra sound which took place a week later and I had a transvaginal one two and they found the cysts. I would suggest you go to the doctors and ask for an ultra sound. If you feel you are being fobbed off I think sometimes it can do well to be quite firm. Good luck. I hope you haven't got it. I too am going to try to cut wheat more out my diet and try a more anti inflammatory diet.

[Chimes728]

Thank you so much for the replies! I have been on the Paleo Diet so haven't had wheat in almost 2 years which has helped inflammation stay down the rest if the month. But this pain during my period has gotten worse over time which scares me. I have read so much about prostaglandins and am hoping that is what is causing the pain! It does feel like non stop cramping and twisting while on my period though. I cut out coffee and dairy this month which also helped a little. It is time to have it checked out by the gp. They always give me the ibs run around as well.

[LMG76]

I think perhaps you need to tell your gp that it is clearly related to your period and you want a pelvic ultra sound. Your not asking for the earth. It's a simple procedure that takes 10 mins max.

[Jdgirl030]

Hi the fact it feels like it is getting worse is a clinical indication that you should be given a scan. You could still have endo without cysts and this is not usually detectable by a scan. The only way to determine this is by pushing to be seen by a gynae and asking for a diagnostic laparoscopy. I usually find not being shy to ask the direct question often helps. Well done for sticking to your diet , I have a lot of respect for people who can make positive lifestyle changes to help themselves.

I think us ladies have an instinct when something is wrong. Be convinced by your instinct. You know your body the best!