Can endometriosis mimic ovarian cysts?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I called the doctor's office today to get the results of my pelvic ultrasound (both external and internal transvaginal). The nurse said the results say normal. How is this possible? I have all the symptoms of ovarian cysts. I tarted with pain in right ovary during ovulation that continued through my period. At its worst it radiates to my back, hip, and top of thigh. I am struggling with constipation. The pain sometimes radiates up under right rib cage but I think that could be caused by all the bloating and I had my gallbladder out 2 decades ago so I think that could be the bloat pushing on scar tissue (not sure). A few days ago I started feeling stabbing pains in left ovary now too and it really hurts if I am laying on my back and try to get up. Now I have no idea what to do. My periods are not unusually heavy for a 47 yr old. I always do have lots of clots though and have for yrs. Some very large. My period came earlier than usual the last two months but they are never painful. Just mild cramping. Could I have endo and not know it? My doc is a GP, should I see a Gyno instead? What other tests can they do?
0 likes, 5 replies
Mandy4795 sarah45050
Posted
Hi Sarah,
Endo can definitely mimic symptoms of ovarian cysts. It can also be masked by them (In my case the doctors found a cyst and thought that was the source of my pain, overlooking my endo).
I very much recommend seeing a GYN doctor for this issue, I never got anywhere with my GP because most just do not have the knowledge to understand the issues.
Your symptoms sound very similar to mine, although I am 23 and my issues started last year. All my tests kept saying normal, for month after month. Eventually there was a cyst but of course that wouldn't explain all the pain when there was nothing.
Keep searching for answers as long as you are uncomfortable and in pain.
Sending positive thoughts your way!
sarah45050 Mandy4795
Posted
Would endo or fibroids show up on transvaginal ultrasound?
sarah45050 Mandy4795
Posted
I meant to say thank you, Mandy! I hit enter too soon.
james48800 sarah45050
Posted
My wife, who is 45, had exactly this happen to her. However, her ovarian cyst actually was not a cyst at all, but endometriosis on her left ovary and fallopian tube. She had all the symptoms of both cysts and cancer, but thankfully it was actually neither.
She had it removed, biopsied, and while a bit scary for a time, it worked out. She had irregular periods for almost two years but was blown off because of her age until she found a good gynecologist who was really willing to investigate. All her problems have since gone away.
aitarg35939 sarah45050
Posted
Yes, you must see a gyno. If you have the financial means, go to an endo specialist.
No, endo doesn't necessarily show up on the trans-vag ultrasound, nor on any other test. You'll need a laparoscopy. Gyno may make you get all sorts of gastro testing first.
Sadly, Mandy's experience isn't unique. We have to push hard w/docs sometimes.