Hi Ladies, Well, here I am again, stressing out big time over my symptoms. Since the end of last year I've been having irregular bleeding (usually period starting early), and all month round low backache, on/off pelvic and abdominal cramps, IBS-type symptoms (constipation, not diarrhoea, mild stomach ache, very noisy tummy!), just generally feeling very below par. Went to the doctors on Friday and she thinks constipation could be a big part of it. She also felt around my abdomen and pelvic area and said it all felt fine. I'm fed up of the worry, fed up of waking in the early hours with aches and pains, fed up of feeling as though I might have some horrible, as yet undiagnosed disease...I know this sounds melodramatic, but I'm 42 years old and shouldn't be feeling like this. Any reassurance would be very gratefully received! Thanks, Jessie

Hi Jessie,

Have you ever been tested for lactose intolerance? Or stomach parasites? I had a case of ghiardia that went undiagnosed for a year-- the stomach cramps, low back pain and intermitent constipation and diarreha made me crazy. The key symptom with that is that it woke me up in the middle of the night-- (the pain, that is). I begged my Dr. for the medicine for it ( 1 week course) even though it did not show up in a stool culture-- because my good friend who is a pediatrician told me that my symptoms sounded just like it. In the end I think my Doc was so sick of me complaining that he gave me the medicine... during that testing we learned I had a mild lactose intolerance as well...which could have been brought about by the ghiardia. Anyway...not counting your irregular bleeding, the rest of the symptoms you are talking about are what I felt before we figured out that I most likely had ghiardia and that I am lactose intolerant.

A simple way for you to figure out if you have just a lactose problem on your own is to just stop all dairy-- and I mean all. Read ever label (it is in some bread etc)-- I felt like my old self within days of cutting out dairy.

It is worth a shot! Feel better!
Jonesy

Hi Jessie, I can understand your concern. Did your doctor give you a clue as to the irregular bleeding. Maybe you should push for a pelvic ultrasound or some more diagnostic tests. I don't understand doctors that just do basic tests like feeling around with their hands. Ask for more tests, it is your body and you know if something is wrong. At least you will get reassurance by having the actual tests done. Is your doc a gynecologist or your PCP? You should visit your gynecologist if you have not already done so and explain your concerns and need for further tests. I hope you feel better soon. Remember we are our own health advocate.

Hi Ladies, Thanks for your replies. Jonesy, your thoughts about lactose intolerance etc are very interesting....I did stop wheat for a while but that didn't seem to make a difference; maybe I should go off dairy for a while and see if that helps.
bchgrl65 - you're right, I should follow this up with more testing. A pelvic ultrasound would be a good idea, although the thought of it terrifies me (not the procedure but what might be found!). The doctor said to go back in a couple of weeks if drinking more fluids, eating lots of fruit and veg etc doesn't help. I'm from the UK so the first port of call is the GP and I don't have a gynaecologist, although I could certainly do with one!! I think I've been perimenopausal for the past three years, and that's why my periods are becoming less regular. My hope is that all of these symptoms are linked to hormone whackiness - hence the irregular periods - and not something more sinister. But of course we always fear the worst. At least bloating hasn't been much of an issue - if I had that too, I'd be out of my mind with worry by now! Jess xx

Dear Jessie,

The other ladies have already given you such good advice, so I will only chime in with support. I SO understand how you feel.

I did not begin this peri/meno journey until I was well into my 50's, and now at almost 56 I am still having periods and symptoms. I am FED UP! (See I feel better already...)

Please post often and tell us all how you are doing. And hang in. I have some days that are actually quite good. I try so hard to remember that when I am feeling like [expletive deleted]!

Very best,
Marcy

I've never experience your symptoms and I had a relatively un-noticeable peri-menopause (seems I'm paying for it now!). However, I have read the symptoms of many PS members that are having a difficult time in peri-menopause and they often mention the symptoms you described. Perhaps that is what your doctor thinks too--since you were checked and nothing was found amisss. In any case, it seems there must be something that could be done to relieve your discomfort--but I wouldn't get too upset if I were you--especially since you may be having "health anxiety" along with all of your other symptoms. Pursue it but don't let it get you too upset. You've been checked and nothing was found--doctors often don't count peri symptoms as anything to be concerned about--that's because it's not them that feels so low. BTW, did the doctor offer any relief for the constipation? Now that I think of it--I had a period of time where I was frequently constipated. I found an over the counter remedy called Colace (a stool softener) was gentle and did the trick.

Miss Tibbs

Hi there jessie x

I'm 46 and have had irregular bleeding for the last few months so i'm assuming i'm in the peri phase.

As for aches and pains i was told my iron was really low and that can cause aches and pains, i'm on iron tabs now and feel a lot better.

Take care, Deb in OZ

Hi Jessie

Just to be sure, I would get stool cultures. Could have a nasty bug in your intestines or colon that could be doing this to you. Always good to rule out.

Jan

Thanks, ladies, for your very helpful and supportive replies. For now, I'm trying the healthy eating, lots of fibre and fluids option, but if this doesn't get better soon I'm going back to the docs to demand some tests! Jess xx

Hi Jessie --

Don't give a second thought to having an ultrasound if the doctor suggests it. There's nothing to it -- normally they just do the normal external abdominal ultrasound and then do a vaginal ultrasound. It sounds worse than it is! I had one done several months ago and it was completely painless. I've been in peri for several years now and have had symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, bloating during periods, etc. Ended up going for the ultrasound after my normal yearly exam when the doctor found my uterus had tilted and he said he "felt something" out the ordinary. I had to wait about a month for the ultrasound, and worried a little to begin with. But my husband reassured me and I started thinking only positive thoughts. It was a great help and a great relief when I was diagnosed with fibroids. Now I know what's there and whats' causing the symptoms. I had low backache at times along with the continually gurgling stomach. Are you taking any meds? My mom and dad have both started taking a number of them over the last five years or so, and everytime I see them its a symphony of loud stomach growling as a side effect!

Anna in Texas

Go to your GYN and [i]insist that you get a vaginal ultrasound. It should be covered by insurance with all the symptoms. I had one last week and it eased my mind considerably!