Depo Shot Side Effects: Hard Abdomen & Back Pain - Seeking Information

Question
I am currently on the Depo birth control shot. And a couple days ago I realized that my lower abdomen is hard, and I am having lower back pains. I went to the emergency room three weeks ago yesterday and they told me that i wasn't pregnant and that i didn't have a urinary track infection. And i went in with SEVERE cramping that got worse while i was there. i was literally in tears. The very first time i went into the ER they diagnosed me with Dysomenrria (spellcheck), and then my mom told me that endometriosis run on her side of the family. I am mainly concerned right now about my lower abdomen is hard, i am tired, and hungry about an hour after i eat a meal. I was thinking about taking a HPT but my boyfriend wants me to do research on my symptoms first. But i was supposed to get my third dosage of the birth control shot this month and i didn't and i haven't had my menstrual cycle yet. Is there anything you can possibly tell me that will help me understand what is going on????

Answer
Dysmenorrhea means pain with periods.  If pain with periods interferes with your daily activities or isn't alleviated by using an over-the-counter analgesic and a heating pad, endometriosis should be suspected.  Severe pain is not normal.  At the Endometriosis Association, we have heard from many women that when they go to the ER in pain, they are dismissed as drug seekers.  If you are in pain, don't let anyone tell you it's normal or it's all in your head!

Please contact your doctor about your current situation.  I have not heard of a hard lower abdomen as a symptom of endometriosis. This is worth calling your doctor's office about.

Take care...

(For more information on endometriosis, go to www.EndometriosisAssn.org.  For a free info packet, go to the website or email Support@EndometriosisAssn.org or call 1-800-992-3636.)