Dark Areola Or Nipples
A rise in estrogen and progesterone levels produces more pigmentation in your breast area. This is a very telling sign of pregnancy because not enough estrogen and progesterone is produced before your period to darken your areola.
If you have hormonal imbalance, you may see a fluctuation in the color of your areola, which is not a sign of pregnancy. But, if you are regular, and you are suddenly seeing darker nipples before your period when you wouldn’t normally see it otherwise, you may be pregnant!
What Medications Ease Perimenopausal Symptoms
There are a variety of medications that may ease perimenopausal symptoms in women. These include
There is no “cure” for perimenopause.
Oral contraceptives
One of the most effective and infrequently mentioned methods of treating the spectrum of problems encountered during perimenopause is the combination birth control pill. These pills contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone, the two primary hormones produced by a normally functioning ovary. They act by preventing the ovary from releasing its own estrogen and progesterone. They also work to inhibit ovulation, thus preventing pregnancy.
While on birth control pills, a woman’s body responds directly to the hormones in the pill, and her endogenous ovarian hormone production is suppressed. Thus, the irregular, frequently heavy, menstrual periods, which are common during perimenopause, can be eliminated. She will bleed in response to the hormones in the pills. The birth control pills also prevent ovarian cyst formation, which is common during perimenopause and is directly tied to irregular ovulation due to erratic ovarian hormone production. Birth control pills are also known to decrease breast cyst formation, and they may also decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Who should not use oral contraceptives for perimenopausal symptoms?
Systemic hormonal products
Topical vaginal estrogen
Gabapentin
Antidepressant medications
Testosterone
How Is Dysmenorrhea Diagnosed
To diagnose dysmenorrhea, your health care provider will evaluate your medical history and do a complete physical and pelvic exam. Other tests may include:
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Ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.
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Magnetic resonance imaging . This test uses large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
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Laparoscopy. This minor procedure uses a laparoscope. This is a thin tube with a lens and a light. It is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope to see into the pelvic and abdomen area, the doctor can often detect abnormal growths.
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Hysteroscopy. This is the visual exam of the canal of the cervix and the inside of the uterus. It uses a viewing instrument inserted through the vagina.
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What Alternative Medical Therapies Help Ease Perimenopausal Symptoms
Black cohosh
This product is a commonly used herbal extract that is touted as a treatment for hot flashes. Multiple studies have shown that it is ineffective. It has numerous side effects, and there have been issues with liver toxicity.
Phytoestrogens
These are naturally occurring estrogens in two forms: 1) lignans, and 2) isoflavones.
Lignans are found in:
An Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What it is: You get long-term swelling and irritation in different parts of your digestive tract. It happens when something goes haywire in your immune system. It isnât the same as irritable bowel syndrome . Crohn’s can affect any part of your digestive tract . Ulcerative colitis involves only the large intestine .
What the cramps feel like: It depends on the type of IBD you have. With Crohn’s, youâll feel cramps and pain in the right lower or middle parts of your belly. They can be mild to severe. If you have ulcerative colitis, the cramps will be on the lower left side of your stomach.
Other symptoms: Which ones you have depend on the specific type of IBD. They include:
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Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Be Cured
Antibiotics can cure pelvic inflammatory disease when it is diagnosed early. Take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed even if you’re feeling better, to make sure the infection goes away completely. In severe cases of PID, hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics may be required. It is common for sexual partner to also be treated as they may still be infected with the bacteria that can cause PID.Treatment won’t undo any damage that has already occurred, such as scarring of the fallopian tubes. Delayed treatment for PIDS increases the risk of complications such as infertility or future ectopic pregnancy.PID infection can recur if you are infected with another STI, and once you have had PID your chances of developing it again are increased.
When To Call The Doc
A mild backache in the first 1 to 2 days of your period isnt exactly fun, but its also not a big deal health-wise. But you should def talk with your doc if youre dealing with severe pain or cramps that drag on for more than 2 or 3 days, or if the pain youre having is intense enough to stop you from doing your normal activities.
Its also worth looping in your doctor if the bleeding just seems intense, especially since period backaches tend to be worse when youve got a heavier flow. Your period might be abnormally heavy if:
- Youre soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row, or you have to wear two pads at once.
- You have to change your tampon or pad in the middle of the night.
- Your period drags on for more than 7 days.
- You pass clots that are bigger than a quarter.
- Youre super tired, low energy, or short of breath.
Read Also: How Much Period Bleeding Is Too Much
You Probably Have Endometriosis
Endometriosis can result in severe abdominal pain, no period or pregnancy symptoms
Within the uterus and during your period, the endometrium is washed out through the vaginal canal Sometimes, its possible the endometrium goes through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen, ovaries, and outer surfaces of the uterus.
If this happens, you should feel severe belly pain that is worse before, during and after period.
If you are experiencing cramps that are now severe while menstruating, its likely endometriosis.
Other symptoms are
Food Aversions Or Cravings
Taste is one thing that can be altered pretty quickly in early pregnancy. Even before a missed period, some women experience a shift in their taste buds. Some of the foods and drinks that seem to have the most commonly altered tastes in early pregnancy tend to be alcohol and fruits. Ones interest in cigarettes can also change pretty quickly. This may be caused by a heightened sense of smell, which is brought about by a rise in estrogen. This can all happen pretty quickly after implantation and can be a sure sign you may be pregnant.
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What Else Can I Do
To help relieve period pain, you can try:
- Heat. Put a heating pad or heat patch on your lower belly or take or a warm bath.
- Exercise. Exercising during your period may help ease menstrual cramps.
- Massage. Massaging your belly and lower back may decrease pain.
- Getting more sleep. Extra sleep in the week you’re expecting your period helps with period mood changes.
- Eating a balanced diet. More fruits, vegetables, and lean protein help ease period bloating and pain.
- Drinking water. Drinking enough water can help lessen period bloating.
- Meditation and mindful movement, like yoga or tai chi, can help you relax.
How To Manage Severe Lower Back Pain During Your Period
The following may be able to help with severe lower back pain during your period:
- Pain medication Taking over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatories a few days before your period may alleviate lower back pain. If your pain doesnt get better with over-the-counter pain medication, consult your health care provider.
Some of these methods may also ease abdominal cramps, which commonly affect lower back pain:
- Heat Applying a warm water bottle or heating pad on the lower back may help reduce back pain during your period.
- Warm shower or bath Taking a warm shower or bath may help you relax and relieve back pain during your period.
- Massage Gently massaging the abdomen and lower back may also relieve back pain.
- Exercise Regular physical activity may help with the pain during your period. Although its easy to be tempted to avoid exercising during your period, physical activity can help reduce lower back pain. Try gentle exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming. You can talk to a health care provider to determine what physical activity is best for you.
- Relaxation techniques Relaxation activities such as meditation may help distract you from feelings of discomfort and pain.
Some lifestyle changes may also affect pain during your period.
- Maintain a healthy diet and talk to a health care provider about taking nutritional supplements with vitamin B and magnesium.
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Lower Back And Stomach Pain: Possible Causes And Treatments
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health
Lower back and stomach pain is an unpleasant and worrying experience for any person. Because there are a number of organs in the abdominal and lower back area, there are many different reasons for having pain there. Pain in the stomach and lower back can be caused by constipation, stones in the kidney or gallbladder, or a cyst. However, sometimes the pain could be a sign of a more serious condition like appendicitis or even a heart attack.
Lower back and abdominal pain should never be ignored. Some home remedies can help you find relief from some of the symptoms of lower abdomen and back pain. However, if your symptoms last for more than a few days, or you experience intense or severe pain in your stomach and back, you should visit your doctor for a checkup. This is especially true if the pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, severe cramps, or pains in your chest.
Lets look at the different reasons why you can experience lower back and stomach pain. This will help you find the root cause of your pain and discomfort and discover if there are any natural home remedies to give you relief.
How Do Medical Professionals Determine Ovarian Cancer Staging
Staging is the process of classifying a tumor according to the extent to which it has spread in the body at the time of diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer staging:
- Stage 1: Limited to one or both ovaries
- Stage 2: Limited to the pelvis
- Stage 3: Disease outside of the pelvis, but limited to the abdomen, or lymph node involvement, but not including the inside of the liver
- Stage 4: Disease spread to the liver or outside of the abdomen
Complete staging of an ovarian cancer includes hysterectomy, removal of the ovaries, tubes, pelvic and aortic lymph node biopsies or dissection, biopsies of the omentum , and peritoneal biopsies.
Ovarian cancer staging is determined surgically, unless it is stage 4 . If it is stage 4, or very advanced stage 3, then often this is proven with biopsy, and chemotherapy may start neoadjuvantly . If the disease is not obviously stage 4, then aggressive surgical staging and debulking often is considered. This decision is based on the health of the patient, as well as the judgment of the surgeon as to the chance of achieving an optimal debulking .
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When To Consult A Doctor
Cramps, but no period can be a stressful time, as you try and determine the cause of trouble and whether it warrants a consultation with your doctor. If this is the first time youve encountered cramps without a period, take a deep breath, and read below, to know when you should consider getting a medical consultation.
- If your cramps persist or return in intervals, it could be indicative of a deeper issue that must be treated.
- Look for any abnormal changes in your body or symptoms other than cramps, to narrow down where the problem lies. This can also help your doctor accurately diagnose the cause of cramps without period.
- If you have PCOD or a thyroid disorder, cramps could be an indication of hormone fluctuation. Consult your gynaecologist or endocrinologist for further examination.
- Cramps could also point at ovarian cysts or fibroids. If the pain persists or you have a history of cysts or fibroids, consult a doctor for treatment.
Lower Back Pain Cramps No Period Negative Test
Your lower back is referred to as the lumbar region of the back. It has a great deal of hefty training to do: The lumbar spinal column carries the weight of your whole upper body, plus biomechanical stresses that occur with movement. Lower Back Pain Cramps No Period Negative Test
The lumbar back has 5 vertebrae foundations. Each vertebra has a big disc cushiony gel wrapped in a hard membrane on its front side that serves as a shock absorber. Each vertebra likewise has two cartilage-lined facet joints on its behind. Collaborating, discs and also facet joints allow the spinal column to safely bend and also twist.
Your lower back additionally consists of ligaments, tendons, and muscular tissues. Tendons are solid bands that hold the vertebrae and discs with each other. Ligaments affix muscles to the vertebrae. These frameworks assist restrict too much activity that might damage the spinal cord.
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Is Lower Back Pain Before Period Sign Of Pregnancy Or Period Coming
Question: Is lower back pain before period sign of pregnancy or PMS?
At the age of 13, when a lot of girls will start having menstrual period, abdominal pain before or during your monthly period can be disturbing.
Sometimes, pain may get severe and prevent you from your normal academic or daily activities.
Ordinarily, before period starts, its common for girls to have both physical and emotional changes in their body.
Most of these body changes will starts within a week to your next period Nonetheless, some women may get premenstrual symptoms two weeks away from period.
In young girls, symptoms can cause severe discomfort, especially abdominal cramps. As women grow older, abdomen pain before period will begin to subside.
Low back pain before period may just be a new symptom you are getting for the first time. If youve had sexual intercourse weeks back and confused if youre having period sign or pregnancy, this guide explains what you must know.
Low back pain before period is normal and occurs because of hormone changes in your body as you get towards your next period date.
Pain is usually mild and subsides as your period commences. If you experience severe pain occasionally, it may not be abnormal. However, a persistent and severe back pain may indicate endometriosis, vaginal infections, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
On the other hand, these symptoms after weeks of unprotected sexual activity will suggest pregnancy.