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J A Fox1, M A Fox, R L Westwood
1SpR in Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Royal Blackburn Hospital, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
Acute Medicine
|May 25, 2011
Summary
A young woman experienced monthly abdominal discomfort linked to her menstrual cycle. Investigations revealed sinus tachycardia and hyponatremia, but no other specific cause was found.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- A 20-year-old student nurse presented with recurrent, non-specific abdominal discomfort.
- Symptoms consistently coincided with her menstrual cycle over a 5-month period.
- The patient was of thin body habitus (BMI 16.5) and previously well.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of cyclical abdominal discomfort in a young female patient.
- To evaluate the significance of associated sinus tachycardia and hyponatremia.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing clinical presentation and medical history.
- Review of physical examinations and routine baseline investigations.
- Correlation of symptoms with menstrual cycle and physiological parameters.
Main Results:
- Abdominal discomfort occurred monthly, synchronized with menses.
- Sinus tachycardia and incidental hyponatremia were noted.
- Physical examinations and standard investigations were otherwise unremarkable.
Conclusions:
- The cyclical nature of symptoms suggests a potential link to hormonal fluctuations or gynecological factors.
- Further investigation may be warranted to elucidate the underlying cause of discomfort and associated findings.
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