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Original poster

Can you have lower back pain on your period and it *not* be endometriosis?

28 replies

GreenChecker · 21/12/2023 12:08

I recently had surgery to remove advanced endometriosis. All my pelvic organs were fused together. My only symptom was daily lower back ache.

Since the surgery my cycle was medically suppressed for a few months and I finally had my first period last month. It was amazing. No pain, nothing!

I am currently on my second period and I am gutted that the backache is back with a vengeance. I have heard endometriosis can grow back, my own surgeon said it was a 33% chance, but I had hoped it wouldn’t be so quickly.

So my question is, is it possible to get bad lower backache on your period if you don’t have endometriosis? I suppose the question is muddied as so many women have endometriosis but don’t know about it.

I will be heartbroken if it is back already. The op was to try to restore fertility - I’ve only had one cycle of TTC! Sad

OP posts:
Justtryingtounderstand · 21/12/2023 12:12

I have really bad lower back pain and don’t have endometriosis ( defo don’t as was checked for it and last year had open surgery for fibroid removal). I do however have an historic back injury

Hollyhead · 21/12/2023 12:13

I always got backache on my period and don’t have endo. I hope it stays away for you OP

CrunchyCarrot · 21/12/2023 12:17

I always had bad backache during my periods, requiring painkillers and bed rest on the first day. I have no idea whether I had endometriosis, I wouldn't have thought so as I had no other symptoms.

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Cocolapew · 21/12/2023 12:20

I used to get back and leg aches because I had a tilted womb.

NC098765 · 21/12/2023 12:23

I always had backache with periods and no endo as far as I know. I had very painful periods pre-baby and thought I might have had endo but no problems with fertility and painless periods now so I don't think it was endo. You have my sympathy, backache is horrible!

NC098765 · 21/12/2023 12:24

@Cocolapew Ooooh, I had back and leg aches and also have a tilted uterus, I never wondered about a connection but maybe that was the cause!

Aria20 · 21/12/2023 12:26

Interesting I'm another one with tilted uterus who gets back and leg pain first couple of days of periods. No endo either.

Original poster
GreenChecker · 21/12/2023 12:29

NC098765 · 21/12/2023 12:24

@Cocolapew Ooooh, I had back and leg aches and also have a tilted uterus, I never wondered about a connection but maybe that was the cause!

I hate to say it but a titled uterus, back ache, and aches going into the legs, are all classic signs of endo! I too have a tilted uterus.

OP posts:
Original poster
GreenChecker · 21/12/2023 12:30

Thanks all for your reassurances, I really hope it’s not back.

OP posts:
cardibach · 21/12/2023 12:32

GreenChecker · 21/12/2023 12:29

I hate to say it but a titled uterus, back ache, and aches going into the legs, are all classic signs of endo! I too have a tilted uterus.

Show quote history

Apart from the tilted uterus, those are all perfectly ‘normal’ symptoms of periods too! I have had them all on and off and know I don’t have endo - as has pretty much every woman I know. However anything period related which affects your normal life isn’t truly normal and you should get some further advice.

Snippit · 21/12/2023 12:44

I’ve also had endometriosis, which was successfully treated many years ago with a drug no longer used, Danazol.

I was terrified when having my first periods after 9 months of suppression, they were painful then I realised after a while that it was just the usual period pain. I would have Naproxen for my back pain due to periods, after having my daughter my period pain was horrendous, but no endometriosis. Periods can be awfully painful without having endo, but it’s so worrying.

Floopani · 21/12/2023 12:46

I have always felt period pain in my lower back and I definitely do not have endo. I also felt labour all in my lower back and legs. I never get cramps in my stomach. I also have a wonky uterus and cervix.

thedementedelf · 21/12/2023 13:36

I have backache and don't get periods. I don't have endo either.

Pinkstars2501 · 21/12/2023 13:49

I have stage 4 Endo with a frozen pelvis. I get lower back pain too.

I also have adenomyosis and that can also give me back pain...

My consultant says the back pain is probably because my uterus is adhered to my bowel and my Endo is on my bowel as well.

Currently waiting on excision surgery and bowel resection. Fun times 😒

willyconker · 21/12/2023 13:55

I don't think I have endo as far as I'm aware and get it every period for about a day.

AfraidToRun · 21/12/2023 15:04

Back ache, leg ache, tit ache, throat ache, head ache. Fucking misery. No endo.

NC098765 · 21/12/2023 18:18

@GreenChecker I don't think I have endo as I didn't have any fertility issues and since having kids I now have painless periods. My completely unscientific theory is it might have been something to do with my cervix which is now relaxed after childbirth lol. Smear tests also less painful. I really hope it hasn't come back for you. I do know that backache can be a normal symptom for many women

MuggleMe · 21/12/2023 18:26

I have lower back pain during periods and don't have Endo as far as I know.

Original poster
GreenChecker · 21/12/2023 23:11

Pinkstars2501 · 21/12/2023 13:49

I have stage 4 Endo with a frozen pelvis. I get lower back pain too.

I also have adenomyosis and that can also give me back pain...

My consultant says the back pain is probably because my uterus is adhered to my bowel and my Endo is on my bowel as well.

Currently waiting on excision surgery and bowel resection. Fun times 😒

Exactly what I had, sending you best wishes for the surgery.

Thank you everyone for the reassurance. It’s really crap sometimes what we have to put up with as women, isn’t it!

OP posts:
Morag273 · 21/12/2023 23:40

I get back ache on my period and no endo as far as I am aware. I also have this strange thing where sometimes when I sneeze it hurts my ovaries(?) - at least that is what it feels like! I questioned it with a health professional once and was told it’s common with slim people who have ovaries close to the skin surface. Feels laughable now I am typing it out.

Pinkstars2501 · 22/12/2023 05:49

Yeh I get that too @Morag273

It's insane to me how a medical professional would tell someone their ovaries hurting when they sneeze, is normal because they're slim?!

Women's health care is shit.

Morag273 · 22/12/2023 06:46

Yes :(

Baircasolly · 22/12/2023 06:52

I've always had back and leg pain on my period (and when in labour as well - no stomach pain at all). I read once that it's due to the respective nerves all being so close together?

Moredarkchocolateplease · 22/12/2023 07:01

Morag273 · 21/12/2023 23:40

I get back ache on my period and no endo as far as I am aware. I also have this strange thing where sometimes when I sneeze it hurts my ovaries(?) - at least that is what it feels like! I questioned it with a health professional once and was told it’s common with slim people who have ovaries close to the skin surface. Feels laughable now I am typing it out.

I had that. If I'm lying down in bed I have to bring my knees up to my chest to sneeze or it's agony. But mine turned out to be ovarian cysts.

I always know when I have one and then when one has popped as there is no sneeze pain any more!

Only started in my 40s.

BingoMarieHeeler · 22/12/2023 07:04

Wow how horrendous OP.

Back pain has always been a period symptom for me, since I was 9 years old. I have no endometriosis as far as I know. Good luck!

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