Panicking about pain in ovary area.

[Mmlemony]

Hi. Please be kind as I've gone into full panic mode and have some health anxiety. For about 3 weeks I've had a pain in either my left hip or ovary area. I'm a bit menopausal although still have quite regular periods. The pain was worse over my period. It is a bit achey like period pain in the womb area too. I have a doctors appointment next week to discuss my menopause type symptoms and this discomfort. I am feeling highly anxious about it all. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Mmlemony]

Anyone?

[Titsywoo]

Maybe a cyst. Don't worry though they often disappear by themselves.

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

I say this all the time in general health so apologies if it's getting old: endometriosis?

I really wouldn't worry though. You're going to the GP anyway so just explain your symptoms and see what they say. You can ask about cysts/endo/etc if they don't bring it up themselves.

[Titsywoo]

I have endometriosis. Yes there is a chance it could be that. Just ask for an ultrasound to check for a cyst and then a referral to a gynaecologist.

[Mmlemony]

Thanks everyone. It's like a weird pulling sensation sometimes. Does that fit with endo? Of course I've convinced myself it's the big C! I'm having all sorts of symptoms of menopause at the moment. Massive anger and crying before period. Very heavy bleeding and no libido. Low mood. It's awful.

[SunnySeaShore]

Endo doesn't usually start so late in life though does it? Most women have it from being quite young even if it's not diagnosed for years.

It might be absolutely nothing to do with periods or meno- maybe you've pulled a muscle or been sitting differently? Joint pain is part of peri meno symptoms.

[Thymeout]

If your Gp thinks it could be ovarian, ask for a Ca125 blood test. They're not infallible, and levels can be raised through inflammation and endo, but a result above the norm is an indicator that you need further investigation.

Btw, 95% of ovarian cysts are harmless.

[ukgirlatheart]

Maybe just ovulation? I have a cyst on an ovary and endo and I can assure you the pain is unbarable. Keep a diary even after going to Drs. Rate the pain out of 10 is it morning evening. Plot in your period first day of bleeding etc you may see a pattern

[Mmlemony]

The pain started about 2 weeks before period. Has continued ever since and I am now a week past period. Pain was worse during period. In fact, the pain was the worst I've had ever. Couldn't walk properly during first couple of days. It's now achey, not agony. Definitely feeling a tiny bit better today. Could it be constipation? I hadn't been for about 3 days which is unusual. Been now! Bloody hormones age 50. Nightmare!

[ukgirlatheart]

Maybe a cyst then. Only way to tell is a scan...insust you get referred for one but sure GP will do that. Once u get a diagnosis you will feel much better Im sure. They do not remove cyst unless the are 5mm or above I was told. The scan will also shiw any endo but to be 100% on that a laporosphy would be required. Not to diss yr pain but endo is horrific the pain makes me faint sometimes and cry (48 years old!!!!). If endo IS diagnpsed please please make sure you get referred to a gyno who specialises in it as it is a different matter alltogether rather than just a gener gyno ailment. I manage my pain each month abd have 6 monthy scans to monitor size/growth of cyst and areas of endo.

Go to the GP armed with a diary of yr pain start it today. Good luck but you will feel better once you get diagnosed. Keep us updated

[Bringiton2016]

I can't help with your symptoms,but I had some issues and saw gp. I went from ca125 blood test on the same day, got clear results 2 days later then ultrasound within another 2 weeks. It really is a quick and simple process. Please contact your gp today and get the ball rolling, don't keep suffering physically and mentally. Good luck.

[PollyPerky]

C125 results are not accurate- there are false positives ( a lot) and also false negatives. They are only accurate (mostly) when cancer is advanced and even then the actual accuracy is still just 80%.
(I've had a cyst and scans / tests etc for 2 years for a benign cyst that eventually went away )

The most likely cause is your bowels! Progesterone in the 2nd half of a cycle slows down muscles which includes the bowels, so drinking more water and eating more fibre in the 2nd half of a cycle can help.
However, if you have abdo pain that's gone on for 3 weeks, see your GP. TBH they can probably tell quite a lot from examining your tummy and having a feel.

The ovarian cancer support site OVACOME has a lot of info on symptoms and a chart to download so you can plot your symptoms and take to your GP.

[Thymeout]

No - Ca125 tests aren't fail-safe, but they're the best we have at the moment. They are most useful, with women for whom they are reliable indicators, during chemo and as a sign of recurrence. But they're a standard part of ovarian investigations. There's some recent research which recommends three in a row to establish an upward trend.

Be wary of being fobbed off with the idea it could be IBS. IBS rarely occurs for the first time in older women but the symptoms can be similar.