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What Causes Excessive Menstrual Bleeding With Persistent Abdominal Pain?
Posted on
Thu, 10 Dec 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 10 Dec 2015
Answered on
Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello, I'm having stomach pains for a few months, where i've also gained about 8 pounds in about 2wks, even thou I fast (for religious nativity fast, no meat and such), and have never been a big eater. I am thin and petite, and about 5ft 1.5 inches? I was around 104 or 106, and last wk the scale said 114. Last week my pain was severe going from the right of my left pelvis up to my left breast. And now my back, lower back hurts. I'm 52 yrs old, my periods use to be around 21-24 days, now the last 3-4 mths are 28 days. Except twice, i start bleeding a few days after i'm done. EX. I had my period on Nov. 27, then this past monday when i went to the bathroom 3x's, n there was blood and it looked like my period started again.. Oh, and my stomach deflated that day (i was normal and without pain), i was flat again for most part of the day, and by nitetime, my stomach became hard and started getting bigger again. that's the latest. so sending it off to you.
tired of the bloated heavy 'rock' pain in my stomach! and now my back too. m - Oh and i can't zip my jeans anymore the last 3-4 mths w/my bloated stomach (yet i eat VERY little/ an now all of sudden went up 8 lbs? wierd.). I'm greek and believe in healthy mediterrean 'diet' food!
tired of the bloated heavy 'rock' pain in my stomach! and now my back too. m - Oh and i can't zip my jeans anymore the last 3-4 mths w/my bloated stomach (yet i eat VERY little/ an now all of sudden went up 8 lbs? wierd.). I'm greek and believe in healthy mediterrean 'diet' food!
Brief Answer:
Possibility of myoma of uterus should be ruled out.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for asking HCM.
I have gone through your query. Increase in size of abdomen and bleeding can be the symptom of fibroid ( myoma) of uterus. Physical examination by a gynecologist followed by ultrasound examination of abdomen and pelvis will be helpful to rule out the condition. In case of fibroid increasing in size with symptoms it should be removed surgically.
Gastric irritation can be controlled by taking proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole ( Nexium ) which can be taken half an hour before food twice a day.
A consultation with a gynecologist is well appreciated.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything is not clear.
Thanks.
Possibility of myoma of uterus should be ruled out.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for asking HCM.
I have gone through your query. Increase in size of abdomen and bleeding can be the symptom of fibroid ( myoma) of uterus. Physical examination by a gynecologist followed by ultrasound examination of abdomen and pelvis will be helpful to rule out the condition. In case of fibroid increasing in size with symptoms it should be removed surgically.
Gastric irritation can be controlled by taking proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole ( Nexium ) which can be taken half an hour before food twice a day.
A consultation with a gynecologist is well appreciated.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything is not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thank you for answer Dr.
1-I like that you said an ultrasound should be given. My gyno examined me in April, however, that day i was fine; my stomach was deflated. Just as it was recently for one day.
And now, last night and this morn at 8:30am when i went to the bathroom, there was blood again. My period is not due until Dec.30th. (i did call my gyno, but the first available time is not until XXXXXXX 7th. I wish they could push back someone's annual ck-up; mine was pushed back 4 time's last yr, and my annual ended up being a yr later than it should). -->now it seems things have developed,,,,
Dr. I do not need Nexium, i don't have any gastric irritation, gas, farting, burping.... (my dad has that and takes it, i think). There is NO connection with food, as i have observed over the months. It is the heavy,swelling bulge (8lbs weight gain), that has even started hurting my back, lower back.
And now i am really concerned about the bleeding too! (it does sound like fibroids after i talked to a friend of mine that also had them)!.
Finally, i DO NOT LIKE THIS SETUP THAT I ONLY HAVE THE REMAINING TIME TO ANSWER!! I can't always get onto a computer, and then there are problems half the time i do. [and i have a 'dumbphone].
And also, what about the pain that shot up from my left pelvis up to my breast? My girlfriend said she also had that like me, and she also had galdstones too. Could that be a combined possiblity? having both problems?
NOW I DON'T WANT THIS THREAD OF MY QUESTIONS TO DISAPPEAR, and have to start over. that would be horrible. coz i also have a retreat to go to, which starts tonight into tomorrow nite...
SO PLEASE HELP ME OUT. I CAN even give my ph# for more and better help.
thank you, XXXXXXX
1-I like that you said an ultrasound should be given. My gyno examined me in April, however, that day i was fine; my stomach was deflated. Just as it was recently for one day.
And now, last night and this morn at 8:30am when i went to the bathroom, there was blood again. My period is not due until Dec.30th. (i did call my gyno, but the first available time is not until XXXXXXX 7th. I wish they could push back someone's annual ck-up; mine was pushed back 4 time's last yr, and my annual ended up being a yr later than it should). -->now it seems things have developed,,,,
Dr. I do not need Nexium, i don't have any gastric irritation, gas, farting, burping.... (my dad has that and takes it, i think). There is NO connection with food, as i have observed over the months. It is the heavy,swelling bulge (8lbs weight gain), that has even started hurting my back, lower back.
And now i am really concerned about the bleeding too! (it does sound like fibroids after i talked to a friend of mine that also had them)!.
Finally, i DO NOT LIKE THIS SETUP THAT I ONLY HAVE THE REMAINING TIME TO ANSWER!! I can't always get onto a computer, and then there are problems half the time i do. [and i have a 'dumbphone].
And also, what about the pain that shot up from my left pelvis up to my breast? My girlfriend said she also had that like me, and she also had galdstones too. Could that be a combined possiblity? having both problems?
NOW I DON'T WANT THIS THREAD OF MY QUESTIONS TO DISAPPEAR, and have to start over. that would be horrible. coz i also have a retreat to go to, which starts tonight into tomorrow nite...
SO PLEASE HELP ME OUT. I CAN even give my ph# for more and better help.
thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Ultrasound examination can rule out both.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
An ultrasound examination will be helpful to rule out what causing this. It will rule fibroid uterus as well as gall stone disease. Degeneration of fibroid can cause bleeding and pain. As you had bleeding again suspicion for this is increased.
Gall stone disease is also usual in women at your age. It will be associated with pain and discomfort on right rib cage and below it. There will be increasing pain after fatty food like cakes, egg yolks, meat and spicy foods. Bloating also will be present.
As you said there is no connection with food gall stone disease is most unlikely. Uterine fibroid degeneration can give pain which radiate to other areas.
If gynecologist is not available then you can consult your GP and go for ultrasound examination which will help to confirm the cause.
Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Ultrasound examination can rule out both.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
An ultrasound examination will be helpful to rule out what causing this. It will rule fibroid uterus as well as gall stone disease. Degeneration of fibroid can cause bleeding and pain. As you had bleeding again suspicion for this is increased.
Gall stone disease is also usual in women at your age. It will be associated with pain and discomfort on right rib cage and below it. There will be increasing pain after fatty food like cakes, egg yolks, meat and spicy foods. Bloating also will be present.
As you said there is no connection with food gall stone disease is most unlikely. Uterine fibroid degeneration can give pain which radiate to other areas.
If gynecologist is not available then you can consult your GP and go for ultrasound examination which will help to confirm the cause.
Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello again,
-Can u tell more about uterine fibroid degeneration..!
-and i was bleeding again Friday morn for a bit, and then Sat afternoon - and that time with pain.
-I have a gyno appt and the soonest they can take me is next yr XXXXXXX 7th.
-I don't have a Dr, since moving from XXXXXXX 10yrs ago, and that is posing a problem (even thou i have INS and have been paying for it ever since i was 18yro.) now. I am in the process of trying to find one here in Yakima, WA...
thanks, XXXXXXX
-Can u tell more about uterine fibroid degeneration..!
-and i was bleeding again Friday morn for a bit, and then Sat afternoon - and that time with pain.
-I have a gyno appt and the soonest they can take me is next yr XXXXXXX 7th.
-I don't have a Dr, since moving from XXXXXXX 10yrs ago, and that is posing a problem (even thou i have INS and have been paying for it ever since i was 18yro.) now. I am in the process of trying to find one here in Yakima, WA...
thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Fibroid degeneration explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
Uterine fibroid can get degenerated while increasing size. This is due to loss of blood supply to some of its parts. So that part will go necrosis. As a result of this there can be light bleeding. Due to necrosis pain also will be present. If the cut off blood supply is for larger vessels nourishing the fibroid pain and bleeding can be more. Another problem which can occur due to continuous bleeding is anemia. In that case you shouldn't postpone your consultation with your doctor at least a GP.
If milder symptoms and just light bleeding then it is ok to wait till 7th january. But in case you get more pain or symptoms of infection like fever then consult ER (emergency room).
Hope this may hep you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Fibroid degeneration explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
Uterine fibroid can get degenerated while increasing size. This is due to loss of blood supply to some of its parts. So that part will go necrosis. As a result of this there can be light bleeding. Due to necrosis pain also will be present. If the cut off blood supply is for larger vessels nourishing the fibroid pain and bleeding can be more. Another problem which can occur due to continuous bleeding is anemia. In that case you shouldn't postpone your consultation with your doctor at least a GP.
If milder symptoms and just light bleeding then it is ok to wait till 7th january. But in case you get more pain or symptoms of infection like fever then consult ER (emergency room).
Hope this may hep you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Being greek, i know that 'necro' means dead. Fortunately, the bleeding hasn't happened again since last wknd, but my period should be coming for this month I'm guessing btwn the 23rd and the 27th the latest (if it stays at 30 days which it was the last 3mths).
I also told my priest about this on Saturday aft, the 12th, since i was in great pain (i saw the bleeding had started again when i went to the bathroom), and he said to stay after liturgy on Sunday (the next day) to be annointed with holy oil. I did, and now ALL OF THE LAST WEEK my pain went away around 95%!!!
So no need to rush to ER, but of course I'm keeping the two appts i have now. The gyno on XXXXXXX 7, and a new doctor i found [which i had not had] on XXXXXXX 18th!
Thanks for letting me know that if i have a fever (which i never get), to go the ER.
also, i spoke to a friend that did have uterine fibroid tumors, and she said the pain and the tumors did not go away with menapause, hense the blood being cutoff...! (she did have surgury; I of course do not know that it is it, but all factors turn to it. I hope to not need surgury, I was hoping the end of blood flow will kill them off...).
thanks, XXXXXXX
I also told my priest about this on Saturday aft, the 12th, since i was in great pain (i saw the bleeding had started again when i went to the bathroom), and he said to stay after liturgy on Sunday (the next day) to be annointed with holy oil. I did, and now ALL OF THE LAST WEEK my pain went away around 95%!!!
So no need to rush to ER, but of course I'm keeping the two appts i have now. The gyno on XXXXXXX 7, and a new doctor i found [which i had not had] on XXXXXXX 18th!
Thanks for letting me know that if i have a fever (which i never get), to go the ER.
also, i spoke to a friend that did have uterine fibroid tumors, and she said the pain and the tumors did not go away with menapause, hense the blood being cutoff...! (she did have surgury; I of course do not know that it is it, but all factors turn to it. I hope to not need surgury, I was hoping the end of blood flow will kill them off...).
thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
If bleeding is more then you should go to ER.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
If bleeding is more then you should go to ER. They may prescribe you a progesterone hormonal drug to stop bleeding. If bleeding is continuous it can give you anemia.
There are even minimal invasive treatment like embolisation of feeding vessels of myoma if hormonal treatment doesn't work. So surgery is not always required.
Let me know if anything not clear. I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
If bleeding is more then you should go to ER.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
If bleeding is more then you should go to ER. They may prescribe you a progesterone hormonal drug to stop bleeding. If bleeding is continuous it can give you anemia.
There are even minimal invasive treatment like embolisation of feeding vessels of myoma if hormonal treatment doesn't work. So surgery is not always required.
Let me know if anything not clear. I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Hello again,
Forturnately, as i mentioned b4, the bleeding HAS stopped/nothing unusual right now..!
Not clear on this, what do you mean by "embolisation of feeding vessels of myoma"?
Well, lots to do since it is Xmas Eve!! I want to wish you a good Christmas - if you celebrate it!! (are you Buddist, or Hindu - when do they celebrate? ).
take care, have a good, safe wknd.
XXXXXXX
Forturnately, as i mentioned b4, the bleeding HAS stopped/nothing unusual right now..!
Not clear on this, what do you mean by "embolisation of feeding vessels of myoma"?
Well, lots to do since it is Xmas Eve!! I want to wish you a good Christmas - if you celebrate it!! (are you Buddist, or Hindu - when do they celebrate? ).
take care, have a good, safe wknd.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
As you are alright you can nwait till your appointment.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimal invasive procedure to treat uterine fibroid (myoma). This doesn't required the need of surgery. Under X ray control embolic agents are introduced to uterine fibroid through catheter. The catheter is introduced through groin area and moved towards artery supplying fibroid and inject embolic agents. This will block the fibroid of blood supply and causes shrinkage and will disappear.
Thank you very much for the X mas wishes.
Wishing you a safe and healthy celebrations.
Merry X mas and Happy New year.
Let me know if anything not clear. I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
As you are alright you can nwait till your appointment.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimal invasive procedure to treat uterine fibroid (myoma). This doesn't required the need of surgery. Under X ray control embolic agents are introduced to uterine fibroid through catheter. The catheter is introduced through groin area and moved towards artery supplying fibroid and inject embolic agents. This will block the fibroid of blood supply and causes shrinkage and will disappear.
Thank you very much for the X mas wishes.
Wishing you a safe and healthy celebrations.
Merry X mas and Happy New year.
Let me know if anything not clear. I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello,
I hope Christmas found you well. We had a nice Xmas dinner at friends.
So, what ARE Embolic agents? Haven't heard about those.
And i have a friend who told me she that they went into her from both sides of her belly button and use laser. (so that is above the groin). I imagine it all depends on the size (her's weren't too large) and where they are...
thank you, XXXXXXX
I hope Christmas found you well. We had a nice Xmas dinner at friends.
So, what ARE Embolic agents? Haven't heard about those.
And i have a friend who told me she that they went into her from both sides of her belly button and use laser. (so that is above the groin). I imagine it all depends on the size (her's weren't too large) and where they are...
thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Embolic agents explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
I am glad that you enjoyed your festival well.
I am not christian but had party with my christian friends and was good.
Embolic agents are chemicals which are used to block blood vessels. There are several agents used for this. Some are Polyvinyl alcohol , Gelfoam- a gelatin sponge, microsphere etc.
The one your friend told is most likely Laparoscopy. That is different procedure and needs two incision near umbilicus. That can't be used for this. It is used mostly for diagnostic purpose and surgery in ovaries.
Embolization is done under X ray guidance. You will be given intravenous anaesthesia. A catheter is inserted through femoral artery in groin area. Contrast is injected for X ray visualization and catheter is advanced towards uterine artery and embolic agents are injected towards the target. The whole procedure can take about 90 minutes.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Embolic agents explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up query.
I am glad that you enjoyed your festival well.
I am not christian but had party with my christian friends and was good.
Embolic agents are chemicals which are used to block blood vessels. There are several agents used for this. Some are Polyvinyl alcohol , Gelfoam- a gelatin sponge, microsphere etc.
The one your friend told is most likely Laparoscopy. That is different procedure and needs two incision near umbilicus. That can't be used for this. It is used mostly for diagnostic purpose and surgery in ovaries.
Embolization is done under X ray guidance. You will be given intravenous anaesthesia. A catheter is inserted through femoral artery in groin area. Contrast is injected for X ray visualization and catheter is advanced towards uterine artery and embolic agents are injected towards the target. The whole procedure can take about 90 minutes.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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