“My ovaries hurt, but my period does not come” is a situation that many women can go through throughout their lives. Given this, it is normal for us to wonder why menstruation does not come if we notice pain in the ovaries and what may be due to said discomfort. It is essential to clarify that although we usually associate ovarian pain with the menstrual cycle, it is not always related to it, so we must remain attentive to the duration of the discomfort, its intensity, and the presence of other symptoms. And it is that on some occasions, the cause can be some disorder or condition that deserves a quick gynecological consultation and a specific medical treatment.
If this question worries you, keep reading this FastlyHealarticle because we will detail all the causes and conditions that can answer the question of why my ovaries hurt if I do not have a period.
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Is it possible to have ovarian pain without a period?
In the first place, it is essential to clarify that ovarian pain does not exist as such and that these female reproductive organs do not have sensitivity, so they do not cause discomfort, but what we usually call “ovarian pain” is pain that appears localized in the lower abdomen, only on one side or both, and that may be related to specific imbalances that the female body may experience. This pain can appear and be punctual, continuous, mild, intense, or feel like cramps or pricks in the ovaries’ area.
One of the frequent questions we usually ask ourselves is whether it is possible to have ovarian pain without menstruation, and the answer is YES. Even though during the days that the rule lasts or the days before its arrival, the sensation of pain or pricking in the ovaries is standard in many women due to the contractions that the uterus undergoes and that are caused by the prostaglandin substance, It is also possible that the pains appear on other days and that they are not associated with menstruation, but with different causes or factors, as we will see throughout this article.
Unregulated ovarian pain: causes
Next, we list what can be the causes of ovarian pain without menstruation; In the following sections, we will explain each one of them in detail so that you can know why they develop and what are the symptoms that they cause:
- Pregnancy
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Painful ovulation
- Perimenopause
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Polycystic ovaries
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cancer
Non-period ovarian pain: could it be pregnancy?
One of the first doubts that can assail us when suffering from this symptom is: do my ovaries hurt? Can I be pregnant? If you have a delay and have had unprotected sex, this is possible, and it is that ovarian pain, pelvic discomfort, and cramps in the lower belly area can be one of the first pregnancy symptoms.
This usually happens early in pregnancy when the uterus prepares for the development of the embryo, which begins with implantation, which is when the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus and can also lead to called implantation bleeding, a slight brown or pink spotting that sometimes tends to be mistaken for menstruation. So that you can distinguish them correctly, we recommend that you consult the article Implantation bleeding: symptoms, color, and duration. In addition, other initial symptoms that can be indicators of pregnancy are swelling and tenderness in the breasts, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, frequent urination, olfactory sensitivity, mood changes, etc. To clear up any doubts, it is best to take a pregnancy test or make an appointment with your gynecologist as soon as possible.
Ectopic pregnancy
In other cases, ovarian pain can be a consequence of the so-called ectopic pregnancy, which is when it develops outside the uterus and, generally, the ovum that has been fertilized remains lodged in the fallopian tubes. This situation is a dangerous pregnancy and a risk for the woman’s health, so it is essential to detect it as soon as possible and undergo the treatment indicated by the gynecologist or specialist in each case. In the following article, you can learn about ectopic pregnancy: its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Painful ovulation
Another possible cause of unregulated ovarian pain is what is called painful ovulation. This case is about discomfort in the area where these organs are located, experienced around the middle of the menstrual cycle. However, sometimes they can be felt before or after ovulation.
The pain associated with the ovulation process usually occurs when the ovum is released from the follicle, the surface of the ovary, or the abdominal tissues become irritated, thus giving rise to lower abdominal pain. These can be felt only on one side of the belly or on both, and their intensity varies depending on each woman. They are not a cause for concern unless they occur for a long time or very intensely, then it will be convenient to go to the gynecologist to find out if there is any disorder that may be causing them.
Ovarian pain in menopause
The changes the female body undergoes in menopause or, instead, when this stage is approaching can also answer why my ovaries hurt if I do not have a period. And it is that ovulation is irregular during perimenopause, which is the phase that takes place before menopause. It is possible that menstruation does not occur for months. Still, ovarian pain is suffered, and others such as hot flashes, disorders sleep, frequent urination, discomfort during sexual intercourse, etc.
All of these signs and symptoms occur due to a reduction in the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the woman’s body. Suppose the symptoms of perimenopause prevent you from facing normal daily activities and are very intense. In that case, it is essential to consult with the gynecologist so that they evaluate the possibility of starting hormonal treatment. You can see more information in the article Premenopause: symptoms and treatments.
Conditions That Can Cause Unregulated Ovarian Pain
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
The inflammation and infection of various female reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, usually by the bacteria that cause chlamydia or gonorrhea. In addition to pain in the lower abdomen, there is usually fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain when having sex, intermenstrual vaginal bleeding, pain when urinating, etc.
Polycystic ovaries
Polycystic ovary syndrome can also cause pain in the ovaries without menstruation. This ovulatory disorder occurs due to a significant imbalance of female sex hormones, which can compromise a woman’s fertility. It usually causes irregular menstruation, absence of menstruation, cysts in the ovaries, pain or discomfort after intercourse, excessive hair growth in some areas, acne, etc.
Endometriosis
It occurs when the womb cells grow in other areas of the body. In addition to intense ovarian pain, it can cause pain in the abdomen, discomfort during and after sexual intercourse, pain in the pelvic region and the lower back, vaginal bleeding between periods, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Ovarian cancer
Although ovarian cancer produces almost no symptoms in its initial stage when it is more advanced, it can lead to ovarian pain, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, vaginal bleeding between periods, loss of appetite, increased or unexplained weight loss, among other signs that you can see in the article Ovarian cancer: symptoms, causes, and treatment.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.