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Published on: 4/28/2025

Are There Specific Conditions That Cause Left Side Body Pain in Women?

In women, one-sided body pain can be linked to conditions like chronic pelvic pain, inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, or even widespread pain syndromes like fibromyalgia that sometimes show unilateral symptoms. Proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider is key for effective treatment.

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Explanation

Women may experience one-sided pain due to a mix of conditions that involve unique anatomical and hormonal factors. Chronic pelvic pain, for instance, can be caused by issues related to the reproductive organs, and if the ovary or uterine structures are involved, the pain may be more pronounced on that side. Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, which are more common in women, can affect joints and muscles asymmetrically, leading to pain that might prefer one side. Additionally, fibromyalgia or other chronic widespread pain syndromes can sometimes manifest in a way where one side feels more affected due to differences in muscle tension or sensitivity. Psychological stress and other social factors may also play a role, as the emotional component of pain can influence how and where it is felt. If you notice persistent one-sided pain, a detailed medical evaluation—with a focus on your specific symptoms, medical history, and potential imaging or lab tests—can help determine the exact cause and ensure that you get the appropriate treatment plan for your condition.

(References)

  • Dydyk AM, Gupta N. Chronic Pelvic Pain. [Updated 2023 Apr 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

  • Häuser W, Perrot S, Sommer C, Shir Y, Fitzcharles MA. Diagnostic confounders of chronic widespread pain: not always fibromyalgia. Pain Rep. 2017 Apr 30;2(3):e598. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000598. PMID: 29392213; PMCID: PMC5741304.

  • Chancay MG, Guendsechadze SN, Blanco I. Types of pain and their psychosocial impact in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Womens Midlife Health. 2019 Aug 9;5:3. doi: 10.1186/s40695-019-0047-4. PMID: 31417683; PMCID: PMC6688257.

  • Gregory NS, Sluka KA. Anatomical and physiological factors contributing to chronic muscle pain. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2014;20:327-48. doi: 10.1007/7854_2014_294. PMID: 24633937; PMCID: PMC4294469.

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