What does new-onset small joint pain during menstruation indicate?

Differential Diagnosis for New Onset Small Joint Pain during Menstruation

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis + Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): This condition is characterized by physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the premenstrual phase of a woman's cycle and can include joint pain. The timing of the pain, coinciding with menstruation, makes PMS a likely consideration.
• Other Likely Diagnoses + Dysmenorrhea: While primarily known for causing abdominal pain during menstruation, dysmenorrhea can also be associated with other symptoms such as joint pain due to the release of prostaglandins, which can cause pain and inflammation. + Fibromyalgia: Although not exclusively linked to the menstrual cycle, fibromyalgia symptoms can worsen during menstruation due to hormonal changes, and it is a condition known for causing widespread musculoskeletal pain. + Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Although RA can occur at any time, some women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstruation. The condition causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses + Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This autoimmune disease can cause joint pain and has a tendency to flare during times of hormonal change, such as menstruation. Missing SLE could lead to significant morbidity. + Septic Arthritis: Although less common, if the joint pain is severe, red, hot, and swollen, and especially if there's a fever, septic arthritis must be considered and promptly treated to avoid joint destruction.
• Rare Diagnoses + Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that can lead to iron overload, potentially causing joint pain among other symptoms. The connection to menstruation might be indirect, through hormonal influences on iron metabolism. + Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. Joint pain and menstrual issues can be part of the syndrome's presentation, though it's less directly linked to menstruation compared to other options.