Is backache a sign that menstruation is about to start?
May 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
If it is close to the menstrual period, pelvic congestion and elevated prostaglandin levels may stimulate the body, causing discomfort such as low back fatigue and aching, indicating that menstruation is approaching. When low back fatigue occurs before the normal menstrual period, it may be due to pelvic congestion stimulating the lumbosacral region. Alternatively, the symptom could result from intervertebral disc protrusion compressing spinal nerves or the cauda equina.
Lower back discomfort occurring close to the menstrual period usually indicates that menstruation is about to begin. However, if it occurs well before the expected period, it is likely not a sign of impending menstruation and may instead be caused by conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or lumbar disc herniation, requiring evaluation to identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Yes (a sign of approaching menstruation)
If lower back discomfort occurs near the expected menstrual period, it may result from pelvic congestion and elevated prostaglandin levels, which stimulate the body and lead to symptoms such as lower back fatigue and aching. In such cases, back discomfort before menstruation is typically a normal premenstrual symptom indicating that the period is approaching.
2. No (not a sign of approaching menstruation)
1) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Lower back discomfort appearing well before the regular menstrual period may be due to pelvic congestion stimulating the lumbosacral region. This condition is often accompanied by other symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge and abdominal pain. Treatment may include medications such as Jinji Capsules, Fule Granules, or Levofloxacin Capsules, as prescribed by a physician.
2) Lumbar disc herniation
In patients with lumbar disc herniation, protruding discs can compress spinal nerves or the cauda equina, causing lower back fatigue. This may also be associated with leg pain or buttock pain and does not indicate that menstruation is imminent. Symptoms may be improved with physical therapies such as local acupuncture or massage.
In addition, lower back discomfort may also be caused by uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or adenomyosis. Lower back discomfort alone cannot confirm that menstruation is about to occur; assessment should consider the menstrual cycle and individual clinical context. If discomfort persists, timely medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.
