[28F] Experiencing intermittent mild left lower abdominal pain

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female reports a few months of intermittent mild pain in the left lower abdomen, rated as 2 out of 10 in severity. The pain is described as neither sharp nor dull and does not impede normal activities. Over-the-counter medication appears to provide relief. The patient has a history of ovarian cysts and has been evaluated for endometriosis. She takes 50mg of Zoloft nightly for health anxiety and a daily generic dose of Allegra for hay fever. There are no changes in bowel movements, menstrual cycle, urinary habits, appetite, or weight. The patient experiences occasional nausea, which she attributes to her health anxiety. No family history of gastrointestinal or gynecological conditions is reported. The patient had a clear CT scan in December 2022 and has no known drug allergies or chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your left lower abdominal pain include:

  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders: These are conditions that cause problems with the function of your gastrointestinal tract. They can cause abdominal pain and other symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one example of a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It's characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. However, you haven't mentioned any changes in your bowel habits, so this may not be the cause.

    • Treatment for functional gastrointestinal disorders often includes lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, and sometimes medications.
  • Gynecologic issues: Given your sex and age, gynecologic issues could potentially cause left lower abdominal pain. You mentioned having had ovarian cysts in the past. Sometimes, these cysts can cause pain if they rupture or twist. Endometriosis is another condition that can cause chronic lower abdominal pain, but you've recently had a camera check for this.

    • Treatment for gynecologic issues depends on the specific condition and its severity. It may include hormonal treatments, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.
  • Musculoskeletal pain: Sometimes, pain in the abdomen can actually come from the muscles or other structures in the abdominal wall. This could potentially be the case, especially since you mentioned having a lipoma (a benign fatty tumor) in the area.

    • Treatment for musculoskeletal pain often involves physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

It's important to continue monitoring your symptoms. If the pain becomes severe, changes in character, or is associated with other symptoms like vomiting, fever, or significant changes in your bowel habits, you should seek medical attention immediately.

In the meantime, you can try the following:

  1. Maintain a balanced diet: Avoid foods that seem to trigger your symptoms.
  2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
  3. Try over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve minor pain. However, they should be used sparingly and always according to package instructions.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain
  • Pain that gets progressively worse
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in your stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Changes in your menstrual cycle

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Common symptoms of ovarian cysts include pelvic pain, bloating, and fullness or heaviness in the abdomen. Some cysts may cause no symptoms and are found during routine exams.


How can health anxiety contribute to physical symptoms like nausea?

Health anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as nausea due to the body's stress response, which can affect the digestive system and lead to symptoms like stomach upset.


What lifestyle changes can help manage functional gastrointestinal disorders?

Lifestyle changes for managing functional gastrointestinal disorders include eating a balanced diet, avoiding trigger foods, staying hydrated, managing stress, and regular physical activity.


When should I seek medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek medical attention for abdominal pain if it becomes severe, progressively worsens, is accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or changes in menstrual cycle.


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