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Many women suffer abdominal pain at some point in their lives, but there may be a variety of different causes. However, understanding the potential source of these issues can start the process of healing or controlling some of these symptoms. The following guide on women’s health can help explain common symptoms and causes for pain related to the reproductive system.

Symptoms & Causes of Female Abdominal Pain 

1. Menstrual Cramps

Cramping before or during the menstrual cycle is a common source of pain for women. Painful cramps, known as dysmenorrhea, can affect the entire lower abdomen, low back, and vaginal and rectal area.

Hormones called prostaglandins are the cause; they are necessary to help the uterus contract to shed its lining, but excess levels lead to severe cramps. Prostaglandins may also cause stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and pain in the rectum.

Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or Midol® can help reduce pain. For some women, heating pads or warm baths can help too. Diet has been linked to menstrual pain as well, so some women find relief by eliminating sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or gluten. A low-fat, vegan diet helps decrease excess estrogen in the body, which may reduce cramps as well.

2. Endometriosis

women's healthThis condition occurs when the endometrium, the tissue that grows inside the uterus, begins to appear outside, generally on the ovaries, pelvis, and sometimes the bowels.

Debilitating menstrual cramps can be a sign of this condition. Women may feel pain during intercourse, when having a bowel movement, and at times other than the menstrual cycle as well. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding and pain that disrupts normal life, see a women’s health care professional to help you manage these symptoms.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Another common culprit of cramps and heavy bleeding is PCOS. This condition can cause an irregular cycle, and higher levels of the male growth hormones, or androgens, that are normally found in low levels in a woman’s body. Excessive body or facial hair, weight gain, extreme tiredness, and acne may also be symptoms. 

4. Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form on the ovary. These cysts often come and go naturally with fluctuating hormone levels and do not produce symptoms; however, they can become large and cause pain, bloating, increased menstrual cramping, and pain during bowel movements, intercourse, or ovulation. If they rupture, the pain can be extreme, accompanied by vomiting and fever.

Cysts can be diagnosed with ultrasound and treated with surgery or sometimes birth control pills, so see a women’s health care practitioner if you have any of the symptoms described above.

 

If you have abdominal pain associated with your period, see the women’s health care team at Caring For Women in Wasilla, AK. They serve Anchorage Valley women with a full spectrum of gynecological services. They specialize in Da Vinci hysterectomies, microsurgery, and treatment for endometriosis. Let their caring team help you reach optimal reproductive health. Call (907) 279-2229 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about the practice.

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