Patient's question:
Do you feel lower back pain before and after your period? Is it normal?! First follow-up question: I've only been experiencing this in the past one or two years. Since I changed jobs and had to sit at my desk all day, this symptom appeared about half a year ago. Sometimes the pain can be quite severe.Doctor's answer:
This phenomenon is a manifestation of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is associated with an elevated ratio of estrogen to progesterone within the body. Excessive estrogen or relatively excessive estrogen levels can lead to water and sodium retention, resulting in symptoms such as edema and headaches. Additionally, individuals who are prone to stress, irritability, or depression are more likely to experience premenstrual tension syndrome. This discomfort typically begins 7-14 days before the absence of menstruation and worsens 2-3 days before the onset of menstruation. It is characterized by symptoms such as mental tension, nervous sensitivity, irritability or depression, general fatigue, easy exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and memory impairment. Some individuals may also experience swelling in the hands, feet, or face, lower abdominal heaviness, pain, and breast tenderness. These psychological symptoms and water and sodium retention symptoms usually disappear or significantly subside after menstruation begins.