Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns for Young Women

Lower abdominal pain?

I belong to the late development type, as I only started my period in high school, but it has been very irregular, sometimes at the beginning of the month and sometimes at the end.
Recently, for the past four days, I have been feeling a dull pain in my lower abdomen, similar to menstrual cramps, but my period has not arrived.
I cannot stand for too long, and I also experience a sour pain in my abdomen while sleeping, but I usually only feel pain when my period comes.
I have never experienced this kind of pain before my period.
There have been times when the pain was so severe that I felt worse than death.
I would like to know if this is normal.
I do not have issues with constipation and have not had any sexual experience.

Kylin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/02

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

You belong to the late development category, as you only started menstruating in high school, but your periods are very irregular, sometimes occurring at the beginning of the month and other times at the end.
Recently, for the past four days, you have been experiencing a dull pain in your lower abdomen, similar to menstrual cramps, but your period has not yet arrived.
You find it difficult to stand for long periods, and you also feel a sour pain in your abdomen while sleeping, although I usually only experience pain when my period comes.
I have never had this kind of pain before my period.
There have been times when the pain was so severe that it felt unbearable.
I would like to know if this is normal.
Answer: You need to have a pelvic ultrasound with a full bladder and a blood test for CA-125.
PS: I do not have constipation issues and have no sexual experience.

Reply Date: 2017/08/02

More Info

Understanding lower abdominal pain in young women can be quite complex, as there are numerous potential causes and factors to consider. Your symptoms of persistent dull pain in the lower abdomen, akin to menstrual cramps, without the presence of menstruation, can be concerning and warrant further investigation.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that lower abdominal pain can arise from various sources, including gynecological, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems. In young women, common gynecological causes include:
1. Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): Some women experience pain during ovulation, which typically occurs about two weeks before the next menstrual period. This pain can be sharp or dull and may last for a few hours to a couple of days.

2. Menstrual Cycle Irregularities: Given that you mentioned having irregular periods, it is possible that hormonal fluctuations could be contributing to your symptoms. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to irregular cycles and associated pain.

3. Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often leading to significant pain during menstruation or at other times in the cycle. It can cause chronic pelvic pain and may be associated with other symptoms like painful intercourse or bowel movements.

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause lower abdominal pain. It is often associated with sexually transmitted infections, but it can occur in women without a history of sexual activity.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or gastrointestinal infections can also manifest as lower abdominal pain. Even if you do not currently experience constipation, past episodes or dietary factors could contribute to your discomfort.

6. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Although you mentioned not having urinary issues, UTIs can sometimes present with abdominal pain, especially if the infection spreads to the kidneys.

Given your description of the pain being significant enough to affect your ability to stand or sleep comfortably, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a pelvic examination, ultrasound, or other imaging studies to rule out conditions such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis.
Additionally, your mention of experiencing severe pain in the past raises a red flag. Pain that is debilitating or significantly impacts your daily life should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
Regarding your concern about whether this is "normal," it is important to understand that while some discomfort can be common, particularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, persistent or severe pain is not typical and should be addressed.
Lastly, anxiety and stress can exacerbate physical symptoms, including pain. If you have a history of anxiety, it may be beneficial to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as managing anxiety can sometimes alleviate physical symptoms.

In summary, while there are many potential causes for your lower abdominal pain, it is essential to seek medical advice to determine the underlying issue and receive appropriate treatment. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Intermittent Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello! Since high school, I have occasionally experienced lower abdominal pain with an unclear cause. I didn't see a doctor at that time. There was one instance in high school when the pain was so severe that my face turned pale. It was really painful! The pain feels like it...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, young women often experience lower abdominal pain, which can be caused by: gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal dysfunction, abdominal issues, premenstrual syndrome, ovulation pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary retention, and cystitis. Wishing you good health. Sincere...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Ulcer Concerns in Young Women

Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you! I am a female college student, and my daily routine has been irregular for about two months, but I have recently adjusted back to a regular schedule. Regarding my menstrual cycle, I did not have my period for the past ...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 21-year-old female presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea, experiencing pain in both the upper and lower abdomen. The diarrhea is most likely due to gastroenteritis or indigestion. The lower abdominal pain could be attributed to either gastroenteritis or gynecological...

Understanding Endometriosis: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Women

I started experiencing lower abdominal pain before and after my menstrual period about five to seven years ago. The pain is even worse than the cramps I have during menstruation; it's so severe that I often have to sit on the toilet, and I usually end up having diarrhea. Aft...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Abnormal bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles can lead to unusual discharge, diarrhea, fever, and lower abdominal pain, which are among the most common symptoms in women. The causes are numerous, and treatment methods require comprehensive health education. It is recommended t...

Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Dietary Tips for Relief

I am a 21-year-old female. For the past few days, I've been experiencing bloating and pain in my lower abdomen, specifically below the navel. I've been having bowel movements, but they feel incomplete, and I've gone twice in one day. However, I still feel like I ha...

Dr. Liu Nanshan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
In young females, abdominal pain should first rule out gynecological issues. Have you checked that? (Is this discomfort related to your menstrual period?) If bowel movements are not regular and the frequency has increased, there could be many reasons, possibly just abnormal intes...