[18F] Experiencing severe stomach pain, nausea, and dizziness

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female reports a history of a ruptured ovarian cyst and a tilted uterus. For approximately 10 months, she has been experiencing severe, sharp stomach and uterine pain, described as similar to period cramps but occurring daily, regardless of her menstrual cycle. The pain, rated as a 7 on a scale of 1-10, comes and goes throughout the day without specific triggers, worsening around her menstrual cycle. She also suffers from intense nausea, which has made it difficult for her to eat or drink for the same duration. Nausea medication and cannabis have provided some relief. Additionally, she experiences episodes of sudden dizziness, rating the severity between 5 and 8, which have been constant for the past 4 months. These episodes are characterized by lightheadedness, overheating, rapid heartbeat, tunnel vision, and occasionally ringing in the ears, primarily occurring during the day. She has also been having hot flashes for about 4-5 months, involving sweating, rapid breathing, and a fast heartbeat. Her periods have become progressively more painful over the past year, with severe uterus and back pain, although not every month. Previously, she did not experience painful periods.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses include:

Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside of the uterus. It can cause severe menstrual cramps, chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis, pain during or after sex, intestinal pain, and painful bowel movements or urination during menstrual periods. It can also lead to fatigue and nausea.
- Treatment often involves medications to manage pain and hormonal therapies to reduce the growth of the endometrial tissue. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Symptoms include irregular periods, heavy bleeding, excess androgen (elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair), polycystic ovaries, and pelvic pain.
- Treatment of PCOS typically involves lifestyle changes and medication to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Ovarian cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. Many women have ovarian cysts at some time. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. However, cysts can rupture and cause severe pain.
- Treatment can range from watchful waiting to surgical removal, depending on the size and behavior of the cyst.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but other conditions could also be responsible. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Keep a symptom diary: This can help identify any patterns or triggers to your symptoms, which can be useful information for your healthcare provider.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain associated with your symptoms.
Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet: This can help manage nausea and overall health.
Rest: Fatigue and dizziness can be exacerbated by lack of sleep. Try to get enough rest and see if it helps alleviate these symptoms.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

Your pain becomes severe or unbearable
You experience sudden, sharp abdominal pain
You have a fever or vomiting that accompanies your pain
Your periods are heavy and you're losing more blood than usual
You feel faint or dizzy and it's impacting your daily life

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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9 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)