Lost

[aften16]

Okay, so I am diagnosed with hypertonic pelvic muscle dysfunction. That is my only diagnosis. But I feel like there is more going on.... My periods are horrible, pms symptoms are unbearable, and my pelvic floor symptoms are amplified by 100 when I have my period. I'm on a low dose birth control pill but it helps very little with these symptoms. The only symptom it has alleviated is monthly ovulation pain. Could this be endometriosis? Should I be pushing to rule this out? The laparoscopic test for this is invasive or so ive been told. I am lost. I'm not satisfied with what is going on. They slap this diagnosis on me, I do pelvic floor therapy. At first it was every week for 6 weeks. I now go once a month but my pain is not managed. Its been going on since April. Its not controlled and comes at random most of the month. I have a lot of urinary syptoms as well. Mostly burning after urination. I guess I just do not even know where to begin when talking to my gynecologist. I have an appointment Tuesday. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Alaine1 Administrator]

It might be that you have endometriosis but pms on its own isn’t necessarily a suggestive of endometriosis. It maybe that your hormone treatment isn’t the right one for you so it might be worthwhile making another appt with your GP to discuss changing treatments and giving this one at least 3 months to see if it helps. Also keep a symptom diary of your symptoms to show your GP. This can help reach a diagnosis. You will however still need to work on your pelvic floor during this time though.

You are right a laparoscopy is invasive but it would only be carried out if the specialist believes there is a strong likelihood of endometriosis being found.

It is also important to remember that not all period problems are endometriosis as it could be that your main problem is PMS which can cause a range of problems including abdominal pain. This in itself can be debilitating for many women and would need treatment. There self help that helps many women and is useful for all pelvic pain. It maybe that your problem isn’t gynaecologically related but more due to the bladder. There is a condition called painful bladder syndrome which can also cause pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. Some women find their symptoms get worse during their periods. If this is the case changing their pill or treatment can help. If you do look this condition up please be mindful that many women manage their symptoms successfully and simple lifestyle changes along with hormone treatments help dramatically. As with all conditions there are those that are refractory to treatment and considered severe cases.

I hope this helps.

[aften16 in reply to Alaine1]

Thank you! I will be speaking with my gynocologist on Tuesday so hopefully I will get some answers and some other options. Right now the only treatments I am doing is physical therapy once a month, nightly stretching routine and meditation, and oral birth control. None of which seem to be enough.

[Alaine1 Administrator in reply to aften16]

Sometimes a change of diet can help especially if you have bladder related symptoms. There is the painful bladder syndrome diet or it’s usually called Interstitial cystitis diet which helps reduce the inflammation

PS it’s not the same as bacterial cystitis