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throbbing and aching in legs during period
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An_245543 posted:
hi! i am 23 years old and have always had really painful periods. i was seen by my doctor a few years ago to make sure i didnt have endometriosis. they said i didnt have it, and hopefully the older i get the less painful my periods will be. granted i have been having fewer very painful periods than before, but i still feel as though they hurt more than most ppls normal cycle. today soon after starting, i noticed the pain getting worse and worse. by the time i got home it was almost unbearable. i had throbbing in my hips and down my legs that ive never had before. ive passed several medium sized clots.(which has happened before,but i was told it was most likely was due to stress.) this very intense cramping lasted about two and half hours, but my legs are still achy. they arent throbbing as bad as before but they do still hurt. has anyone else ever had similar symptoms?
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:throbbing and aching in legs during periodhi! i am 23 years old and have always had really painful periods. i was seen by my doctor a few years ago to make sure i didnt have endometriosis. they said i didnt have it, and hopefully the older i get the less painful my periods will be. granted i have been having fewer very painful periods than before, but i still feel as though they hurt more than most ppls normal cycle. today soon after starting, i noticed the pain getting worse and worse. by the time i got home it was almost unbearable. i had throbbing in my hips and down my legs that ive never had before. ive passed several medium sized clots.(which has happened before,but i was told it was most likely was due to stress.) this very intense cramping lasted about two and half hours, but my legs are still achy. they arent throbbing as bad as before but they do still hurt. has anyone else ever had similar symptoms?
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An: I have not had that specific symptom, but the following is my best GUESS as to the explanation.There is a shared nerve tract between the uterus and both the lower back and the upper thighs. This means that pain from uterine contractions can be "referred" or felt in the back (eg back labor) or even down the inner thighs.

The clotting suggests a heavier type of flow, and a heavier flow can be linked to increased release of prostaglandins. Common menstrual cramps are caused by the release of prostaglandins from the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins create both the cramps of labor and menstrual cramps by making the uterus contract. Common cramps may start prior to the onset of flow and usually last 72 hours. There are also receptor sites for prostaglandins in the bowel and central nervous system. Thus prostaglandins can produce not just cramps but also nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and other "flu-like" symptoms.

Ways to block prostaglandins can include birth control pills, or anti-prostaglandin drugs (eg ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, ketoprofen, etc.). Some alternative healthcare providers such as naturopaths stress using of Omega 6 fatty acids in dietary choices, and cramp bark.

You could try over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen at the onset of your symptoms. If your cramps seem to be escalating in intensity or duration you may wish to see your GYN to confirm if prostaglandins are truly the culprit. Also, the most for sure way to really diagnose endometriosis is to have a laproscope surgery to look inside the abdomen. So if super painful periods persist you may need a more thorough investigation.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:throbbing and aching in legs during periodDear An: I have not had that specific symptom, but the following is my best GUESS as to the explanation.There is a shared nerve tract between the uterus and both the lower back and the upper thighs. This means that pain from uterine contractions can be "referred" or felt in the back (eg back labor) or even down the inner thighs.<br /><br />The clotting suggests a heavier type of flow, and a heavier flow can be linked to increased release of prostaglandins. Common menstrual cramps are caused by the release of prostaglandins from the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins create both the cramps of labor and menstrual cramps by making the uterus contract. Common cramps may start prior to the onset of flow and usually last 72 hours. There are also receptor sites for prostaglandins in the bowel and central nervous system. Thus prostaglandins can produce not just cramps but also nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and other "flu-like" symptoms. <br /><br />Ways to block prostaglandins can include birth control pills, or anti-prostaglandin drugs (eg ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, ketoprofen, etc.). Some alternative healthcare providers such as naturopaths stress using of Omega 6 fatty acids in dietary choices, and cramp bark.<br /><br />You could try over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen at the onset of your symptoms. If your cramps seem to be escalating in intensity or duration you may wish to see your GYN to confirm if prostaglandins are truly the culprit. Also, the most for sure way to really diagnose endometriosis is to have a laproscope surgery to look inside the abdomen. So if super painful periods persist you may need a more thorough investigation.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
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