Could this pain under my ribs & around my back be connected to my periods and not gall-bladder / IBS problems as previously thought?

[NorbertDentressangle]

Brief history -for about the last 3 years I've had occasional severe pains and aches under my ribs and around to my back (probably once every 3-6 months, lasts a day or two each time).

Initially GP thought gall-bladder (symptoms were perfect match) but tests showed no problems. Referred to a Gastro consultant who suggested an IBS-like problem and said to go back to GP for anti-spasmodic meds for if/when it flares up again.

Anyway its slowly dawning on me that I think the flare ups might be occuring at the same point in my menstrual cycle , about a week before period actually starts. The pain doesn't seem to be in the 'right' place IYSWIM as its too high at the front but my whole lower back seems to be achey. When I've had period pain before (not something I've suffered from much TBH) its been very low down (front and back) but has also been the day before/first day of my period not a week before

Could it be connected?

Is it actually a menstrual thing rather than a gastro thing?

Anyone had similar problems?

[Kaill]

I’ve had similar in the left rib for a year. Ultrasounds have shown nothing. The doctor says it’s costochondritis.

[LaurenO67]

Yes!! I have this exact pain. It often starts around ovulation. With a burning pain in what seems like my right ovary, then a pain in my left hand shoulder. Then it eventually goes to one side of my ribs and settles there where I am in excruciating pain for hours and I end up vomiting. I am awaiting scans and ultra sound appointments as my doctors thought it was a kidney infection as I have blood in my urine but my blood work is fine. They thought it was my gallbladder, spleen or liver. Again, all fine! It is infuriating as I believe its something to do with my menstrual cycle. I also have severely itchy hands and feet too, I am always dizzy and have very heavy periods which I have never had before!

[naughtymutha]

I had (have) this problem back in 2020 too and had extensive tests, resulting in nothing sinister. I was diagnosed with adenomyosis, although I don't have any typical symptoms, unless this is an unknow symptom. I had chiropractor, massage, diet change and nothing changed. However, around 2022 it became a very dull sensation and it's still with me. On rare days it is completely gone, but most days it will twang a bit. I can't pinpoint what triggers it, but it's not from doing anything strenuous and if I press on the right side lower ribs it feels tender/bruised.

The tests concluded that I had costochondritis, but that shouldn't really still be impacting after 3 years. I have learnt to live with it and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep active. I am 50 - so maybe it's menopausal related or just getting on a bit?? If I ever find out what it is, I will update this thread.

[LJane01]

Hi all, I posted in 2020 and said I had my gallbladder out & hoped that it would help but it didn’t. I still had attacks. I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease in 2021! Since getting my body back on track from that I have not had a attacks (touch wood). Still have hormone issues though. It could be worth asking the Doctor for a blood test for your Coeliac antibodies.
i hope you all find your answers x

[NerdyNurse]

Hi there, also experiencing this same right side ache/soreness under my rib area and will sometimes wrap around to my back. This occurs the week prior to my period starting, or this month it came the second day of my period. This has been going on for about 7 months, I haven't noticed this pain around my ovulation time, but will keep a closer eye on this.

I really do not have any other symptoms when I have this pain. I've convinced myself I'm dying, but finding this thread has comforted me. I have a Dr appointment in July.

I am 41, and also wondering if this is a perimenopause symptom. I also started getting positional dizziness about 2 weeks ago that happens once or twice a day, typically when laying down and I turn my head. I will get a very brief episode of dizziness, and then it resolves. Not sure if this is also connected.

I'm a very healthy adult woman, most recent lab work came back great. I work out, cardio/strength training 3xs a week. Not that this matters, but just for informational purposes, I do try and take care of myself, and I don't have multiple comorbidities.

Hoping that someone comes back to this thread and gives us some answers to their issues so we can have some insight.

[Purpleiceblue]

Hi,
I've just been reading your post. I have very similar symptoms to you. As well as being a type 1 diabetic with insulin resistance.

The pain in my right rib and bladder each month is excruciating.

All tests have come back clear.

But my right ovary is adhered to my intestine. I was told that years ago, but nothing mentioned since.
Did you ever get any where finding a diagnosis for your problems? Would love to hear how you got on? I'm sick of getting bandaids as you put it for the symptoms , but never fixing the problem.
Many thanks. 😊

[Lu121]

I've been having same problems too but week before ovulation, always goes away once I've ovulated!
Pain in right rib cage, have no idea why but happens like clock work every month!

[Jetacci]

I know I’m late to this as well, but I’m so relieved to see that I’m not the only one experiencing these bizarre symptoms. Mine started in August of 2020. Felt like something was stuck underneath my right ribcage. I’ve had a HIDA scan (to check gallbladder function) that came back 99%, but from what I understand, this can be indicative of possible biliary hyperkinesia (a hyperactive gallbladder). I’ve had a CT scan, MRI, ultrasounds, colonoscopy, endoscopy, blood work. All comes back normal. I noticed a pattern of the pain started before my period and then once I started my period it would go away. Then I’d have some sense of normalcy for about two weeks, then it would start again. Recently, it has shifted to causing me discomfort when I start my cycle then once my cycle is over, the pain subsides and I feel fine for about two weeks. I am at a point of frustration because the docs just seem to be so dismissive of what is going on. I’m also very belchy when I am having this discomfort. Is anyone else experiencing this? I’m constantly burping when this occurs. I’ve read about the diaphragmatic endo and it seems to match my symptoms. I’m still on a journey to get answers. Very frustrating. I’m 44 and also wonder if it could be a peri menopause symptom. Seems to be a lot of us experiencing this, you’d think a doctor out there would have some insight.

[caringcarer]

I had this excruciating pain under right rib, going around my back and up to right shoulder blade. Went to hospital a & e because I'm of pain, consultant said he was sure it was gall stones. Gave me as appointment for ultrasound scan. No stones found. Pain gradually went over 3 days. Been told to stay on low fat diet and told gall bladder may have 'sludge'. Waiting to see if it recurs or not.

[mothertrucking]

Have you been tested for h. Pylori? I had very similar symptoms and was tested for this. Once I had treatment the symptoms pretty much went.

[AndieinUK]

Another one! I have been getting severe pain that radiates from back to ribs (or vice versa). I’ve been getting it every now and then for years but now I get almost without fail every month in the days leading up to period. Pain is extreme and I have been prescribed opioid pain relief. Normally lasts a couple of days and then disappears until a month later, same thing. I’m really worried about relying on this level on pain relief so just been googling. Like many of you I’m now wondering if this is a form of endometriosis in diaphragm. I’ll chat to GP about it - I think we’ll with a chat.

[Silkieschickens]

I had pain under right ribs since around May, has been on and off and pain can go down to hips. It is probably unrelated but just been diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in the right breast, one thing I did not think of. I am also peri-menopausal and it could just be an age thing but if you have symptoms like skin changes in your breast (I have red spots, white spots and dimpling when raise arm), things like breast changing shape when move arm up, get checked. I also had a big lump in right breast which started around same time, doctor then dismissed in June but one in November referred to breast clinic and it is cancer. Its lobular cancer which only has a lump at end makes lots of spider web type pattern before so often caught late. Its very unlikely that's what any of you have, mine was never linked to periods, but just thought would mention it as its much easier to treat when found earlier. It could be coincidence and just a peri-men thing happening at same time. Just had a CT scan which should tell me more.

[DuckDuckNo]

@lollipoprainbow

Gosh I've had the same too recently ! Convinced myself it was something awful by Googling too much. Pain under right rib and aching back and shoulder anyway it's gone now. All very strange.

I have this too. Just before period. I was convinced it was my liver but it's fine and then I noticed the timing.

[Swirlywoo]

Gosh what a relief to have even more people who get this. As before, mine lasted 24 hours this time, from Friday evening to Sat evening but this time I was day 1 of period not ovulating. No symptoms at all now

[Jeneem13]

This is crazy! I have been dealing with these same symptoms for a long time and tonight it finally hit me that this may be linked to ovulation. I typed it in and finally found some people who understand!! What a gift!! My family now probably think I’m a hypochondriac because I saw a bunch of specialists and had every test possible run last year. I got NO answers, basically told I was healthy. Had a cyst on my left kidney and some follicles on my ovaries. I successfully had my third baby this past august and never had any of the symptoms during pregnancy. So this whole cyclical, hormonal thing really does make sense but it still doesn’t answer the question of what is it! Just wanted to chime in about the whole not happening during pregnancy and just tell you all that I’m sorry you’re experiencing all of this. I no joke started to believe I was dying a year and a half ago. Also, glad to find some people who understand! Prayers for us all to find out what it is!

[lollipoprainbow]

Gosh I've had the same too recently ! Convinced myself it was something awful by Googling too much. Pain under right rib and aching back and shoulder anyway it's gone now. All very strange.

[Swirlywoo]

Another one glad to have found this thread. I had this horrible ache under my ribs and around my back, uncomfortable enough to stop me doing anything for 24 hours, followed by bruising feeling, a month apart, from Jan-March and concluded it was happening around ovulation. Then it went. Last night it came back but this time on day 1 of period. I feel it must be hormonally linked. I also think mine is possibly exacerbated by having too much wheat or carbonated drinks around this time. Am 43. The GP wasn't forthcoming in March but did blood tests which were normal. Starting to wonder if it is endometriosis because it is cyclical. Another possibility in my head is trapped gas, exacerbated by hormones.

Whatever it is I don't want it anymore!

[SueSkywalker]

Hello ladies, I know this post is old but did any of you ever sort this, I have only just (despite just reaching 50) realised that I only get these rib cage pains, shortness of breath, etc around the time of my period! Has any one discussed diaphragmatic/thoracic endometriosis with their doctor, my symptoms match this exactly, I am wondering if it is much more common than realised and we are all just putting up with it as period pain etc

[Sarah54]

@mylipsarechapman thankyou. I have been on the pill for 3 years and never had any problems with before it's only been since the break I went straight back on the same pill and just not been right since. I think I def need something as when I wasn't on anything was when I was at my worse. Things have settled a little since being back on the pill but still not right so think I am going to consider changing as maybe my body has out grown the original one.

[mylipsarechapman]

Yes you might be a bit young to be entering menopause. When you have your appointment, it might be an idea to change your pill - if that's when the pain started after your 3 months without it? Or you could ask if they think it might be an ulcer or reflux? Some people can feel faint or sick when they have silent reflux, but also sounds like you might have low blood pressure. It could be something simple that your body is depleting, maybe iron. I hope you have some success with it.

[Sarah54]

@mylipsarechapman I have thought this about menopause however because I am only 31 the doctor just keeps shrugging it off. I have 2 children so would be happy if it was I just want to know what it is!
Iv ended up in hospital twice with horrendous pains and feeling faint once whilst driving. Iv had numerous pregnancy test done, 5 lots of blood test and internal vaginal scan and stool sample all tested all which has come back normal. However I no I'm not right im never poorly and this one time I am I feel like they throwing half the pharmacy at me.
I have a over the phone doctors appointment tomorrow and going to try and push for a hormone test however because I'm on the pill she said it wouldn't be worth it.
Thankyou for your reply

[mylipsarechapman]

@Sarah54 do you think you might be going through the menopause or peri? You may be lacking in vitamin B12 or hormone imbalance? Maybe see a gynae if you are spotting between periods - it might be a good place to start?

[Sarah54]

Hi
I am so pleased to have found this thread and that I am not the only one going through this horrendous pain. I have also been having dizzy spells/anxiety with it which I have never experienced before.
Mine all started during lockdown when I ran out of the pill I was on so went 3 months with out it. I am now back on it and having the worst time of feeling tired, pain in my back between shoulders and top of my hips to then under my left boob. I'm also spotting between periods which I have never experienced before. My seems worse at time of ovulation or the week Im due to stop the pill for the 7 days break.
Has anyone had any outcome with this and are any of you also on the pill.
Thankyou

[naughtymutha]

I know this thread is a few months old but wanted to ask... @Ah29 did you get any closer to finding out why you have/had this pain? Mine went away for roughly a month but got the same pain last month a couple of days before ovulation (according to my period app) but not during my period. Now I have it again but my app says I'm due to ovulate in 4 days so maybe it's not related? I just know it gets me down and I am grateful that it's for a few days, but I secretly fear it will come back and be constant . It's not unbearable pain but it's worrying that it hasn't gone away and I overthink it. It screws with my head as it's been going on for so long. Anyone on the thread who has found any answers would be much appreciated - thanks

[Ah29]

I’m not a mom, so sorry that I’m posting here, but I just found this thread and I’m so relieved I’m not the only one with this pain! I just realized I the pain always happens before my period. It’s only on my left side, and it’s so unbearable sometimes. The week before my period, I can’t sit down without a heating pad. Hopefully we can find out what this pain is!