Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Lower Back Pain With Irregular Periods And Fatigue?
Question: Hi. I am a 48 year old female, generally in good health. I have had some neck and lower back problems intermittently over the last few years, but they don't usually last long. Recently I have been experiencing irregular periods (more frequent rather than less). Blood tests came back normal but a scan showed an area of calcification by my cervix which is being further investigated next week. However, in the last few weeks I have been feeling very tired, generally unwell, having severe pain in both sides of my ribs when I wake(which disappear very shortly after rising from bed) and suffering headaches about twice a week. I have had a new symptom since Saturday that has really worried me. I am experiencing electric shock type pains either side of my stomach every minute or two. Please can you help. XXXXXXX from London.
Brief Answer:
AS BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
All your symptoms totally fit in with peri menopausal changes.
The irregularity in periods also is due to that.
Around peri menopause, hormonal levels fluctuate, and lead to such issues.
Fatigue, general feeling of being unwell, vague aches and pains, electric shock like flashes - all are very typical.
You can confirm this diagnosis by having your hormonal levels measured - FSH, LH, serum estradiol.
If symptoms are unbearable, you would have to consult your gynaecologist regarding HRT ( hormone replacement therapy ) to tide over a few months.
Also, please upload the scan and blood work done so far if possible.
A Pap smear and internal exam should be done at the very least also.
Please take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Exercise daily and eat healthy ( avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy food ).
Yoga and meditation will greatly help.
Remember , in the end - it is just a phase, and like menarchae, will pass too.
Just hang on.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
AS BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
All your symptoms totally fit in with peri menopausal changes.
The irregularity in periods also is due to that.
Around peri menopause, hormonal levels fluctuate, and lead to such issues.
Fatigue, general feeling of being unwell, vague aches and pains, electric shock like flashes - all are very typical.
You can confirm this diagnosis by having your hormonal levels measured - FSH, LH, serum estradiol.
If symptoms are unbearable, you would have to consult your gynaecologist regarding HRT ( hormone replacement therapy ) to tide over a few months.
Also, please upload the scan and blood work done so far if possible.
A Pap smear and internal exam should be done at the very least also.
Please take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Exercise daily and eat healthy ( avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy food ).
Yoga and meditation will greatly help.
Remember , in the end - it is just a phase, and like menarchae, will pass too.
Just hang on.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
