A young 11yrs in pain.

[mum17]

Hello ladies. I was wondering if you can get Endometriosis at 11yrs old. My daughter has severe stabbing pain in her right abdomen and pubic bone area since Dec 15. Her periods have not started yet. She can't eat a lot and is sick frequently. All blood tests are normal and nothing showed up on an ultra sound. Seeing a gastroenterology next month. Any advice please my daughter cries herself to sleep every night. Thank you.

[Nixee]

Hey, as someone who started their periods at 11 and has known from the very start the pain was not 'normal' I'd say you can have endo at any age. I only found out what endo was this year, despite 12 years of doctors visits. I'm 23 now and this year I had a doctor tell me I'm too young to have endo. I spoke to a different doctor, got a referral to the hospital and I had an exploratory laparoscopy last week. They found endo. I'm not an expert, and it's possible her pains are not endo, but I'm glad you have discovered what endo is early and are looking in to it. Unfortunately endo cannot be found on scans or via blood test because the cells are small and the only way to truly diagnose is via surgery, but the earlier you catch it the better. Please tell your daughter she is not alone and that there are options. At least she may not have to go through 12 years of pain and confusion, because her mum may have found the answer early. Stay strong!

[Hidden]

I believe 2 years before menstraution some girls start to produce cervical fluid (I did) which happens from the production of hormones. Endo is hormone related so I would ask her if she has any on her underwear, I know tmi, but I had it a few months before I got my period (8) and that was about the time that my pain started up as well as stomach flu like symptoms.

It could be IBS or something gastro related b/c some people start to show symptoms at that age.

Try eliminating certain food from her diet right now to see if it might be a food intolerance, I was told 1 week for each thing when I tried: 1st week wheat, 2nd week dairy, 3rd week meat.

[Hidden]

I read this post with interest as I have a young daughter. Could you direct me to the research that confirms endo as an autoimmune related condition as you state above? Thanks.

[mum17]

Thank you ladies for your replies. They have all been extremely helpful. I am persivering on my daughter behalf. I hate see her in pain. Thank you all again from a Concerned Mum. x