Endometriosis and hip pain? Advice needed about potential symptoms.

[Lucinda15]

I have been struggling with hip pain over the last year or so, and have begun to think it’s a gynae issue since keeping a diary. It follows a clear pattern around ovulation (when it is at its worst) and menstruation. It alternates from one side to the other at ovulation, but can be one side or both just before and during the first few days of menatruation. I’ve had ovarian cysts in the past and have had a cystectomy. I’ve recently had an USS which showed polycystic ovaries but nothing of any concern. I’ve just been to see the gynae consultant because the hip pain is persistent and I’m wondering if it could be endometrisosis. He did an examination and dsnt think it is but has offered a laparoscopy. I’m unsure whether to go ahead. He gave the impression he didn’t think the hip pain is a gynae issue. A bit of background, I’m currently recovering from a slipped disc 5 months ago, but my physio has worked very hard to help the hip pain and we cannot recreate it with the hip tests she does, nor improve the pain and combined with the pattern around my cycle we now think it’s a gynae thing... but the gynae consultant didn’t seem to think so today.

So basically, I’m just wondering if anyone has experienced hip pain with endometriosis? Or if perhaps this is a back issue after all. I don’t really want to go for a laparoscopy if it’s not needed.

I can get very painful ovary and hip pain, quite sharp in the ovaries and in my buttock. Along with a very generalised ache and cramping in the pelvis. I also feel quite sharp pains and aches in my thighs. It can make me limp. Does anyone else have symptoms like these with endometriosis? My periods are not debilitating, the pain is usually manageable with paracetamol, although they are quite heavy and clotty.

I’d be grateful to hear of others experiences.

Thanks.

It could be me writing this post. I've been to physio for treatment for sacroiliac dysfunction but my hip pain is exactly how you describe and I'm also convinced it's something to do with my hormones

Sounds a lot like endo to me. I had hip pain caused by an ovarian cyst but you’ve ruled that out already. I’d have to laparoscopy if you’ve been offered one. They don’t do them willy-nilly so assume there must be some indication it’s a gynae issue.

How old are you op?

I had a lot of recurring pain exactly like that as a result of ovarian cysts. My cysts got worse and worse and ended up with a sub-total hysterectomy - although it was definitely for the best.

Have what sounds like simmilar pain. My GP did not think it was hip rellated because I can move it but said it could well be referred endo pain. We have agreed that for the moment I will watch symptoms but she said a gynachologist would probably want to do another lap.

Sorry for late reply! I am 36, I’ve had 2 children but had 4 miscarriages in between which I thought was significant history as well to be honest, the gynae I saw for the Endo query was actually the same gynae I saw at the recurrent miscarriage clinic so he knew my history well but he didn’t seem to think any of it related. My hip pain has been worse this month and has continued beyond my period, so I’m back to wondering if he has a point and if it might not be gynae after all. Although, I’m keen to know for sure and am thinking I might just go ahead with the lap... I’d rather not but I just want to rule it out I suppose. He also offered me hormonal contraceptives to suppress ovulation in case that might help but the hip pain comes at menstruation as well so I’m not sure that really makes sense. Plus, hormone contraceptives send me doolally, and I’m not sure I want to go through that again! X

I'm 37 and I really think that my pain is caused by fluctuating hormones. Sort of like pelvic dysfunction when you're pregnant. I think I could be approaching perimenopause as my mum went through menopause at 47. My pain moves from my lower back to my hip to my thigh and exercises do help but only if I do them religiously

That’s interesting sillysausage because I have also been having hot flushes, which I think is a hormonal thing. It reminds me of the hot flushes I used to get when pregnant. I get sweats during the day and often wake at night quite wet with sweat. I unfortunately didn’t mention this to the gynae. I really don’t know what is going on I just feel something is ‘off’ gynae wise, and has been since my miscarriages and pregnancy. but don’t know where to go or who to see about it. My hip has been pretty bad last week or so, since my period. Today my back has seized up a bit, hasn’t done so in ages. And this arvo I got a bit of spotting mid cycle (I’m on day 12) so I guess it’s gearing up for ovulation. I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence that my back has seized up as well. But the gynae seems to think it’s totally unrelated... I’m feeling quite frustrated.

From what I understand hormonal changes can cause all sorts of joint pain etc. Without there being a specific gynae issue. Google 66 signs of peri menopause- it's VERY interesting. In my case my back and the referred pain from it seems to come from hormonal changes effecting the sacroiliac joint. I've had physio and sports massage who could both feel where the weakness/tightness of muscles is. Of course it could just be a completely separate issue considering our ages and because of where it is could be mistaken for pain in the gynae area. I also work in a nursery so use small furniture all day and pick up children - on the same side of my pain. It's very frustrating either way

Oh and yes just very recently I've been waking up with a sweaty lower back. Being a woman really sucks at times

....just been reading up on perinmenopause... very interesting! All sounds very familiar.

Yeah it's symptoms that you probably wouldn't even consider to be connected to it isn't it? Hip pain could easily be caused by hormonal changes when you read up on it

How has your hip been?

Mine is really bad today and I can’t decide if it is muscular or related to the endo in some way. Getting in and out of a car is really painful and despite the heat I am needing to use a heat pack and despite having taken codeine phosphate declophinac and paracetamol, I feel I need more for the pain.

I had a problem with unexplained lower back pain prior to discovering endo and I too think the two were connected. I don't have symptoms of either any more. I did have the shooting pains you describe OP. Have you looked into the supplement DIM Plus? I found it very helpful.

My hip pain has been pretty consistently bad for the last month now, which has made me think not gynae as it’s not followed a pattern with my cycle (as it usually does!) so I’m a bit confused. I’m not sure what to think or who to go to with it really. My physio is doing all she can but I’m struggling a lot.

jellyjumpers Naproxen is a really good anti-inflam and helps me a lot, maybe see if ur doc might give u that?