Aches n pains during menstrual cycle

[joannahelena]

Hi all,

Just wondered wether you suffered particularly badly at certain times of the month? I have read articles about oestrogen causing problems with Lupus, and have been finding that half way thru my cycle I become much more tired and my fingers, wrists and feet swell more than usual. I don't have any children.. don't know if that makes things better or worse!!

Take care:)

[Cos]

hi,

I have exactly the same problem! I feels exhausted and all my lupus aches and pains flare up too. I've just started acupuncture, which I have just before these symptoms start, and he says he is stimulating the energy channels. I've not been having it for long, so not sure if it works yet, but will let you know how it goes.

I did have regular sessions sbout 5 years ago and I'm convinced they helped. I then moved house which is why I've only just got round to starting again.

Has anyone else found this to be of benefit?

:)

[joannahelena]

Hi Cos,

Funnily enough i've been having accupuncture since last July.. I think it has helped me mentally but I still have these bad times physically. As my rheumy said If it's chilling me out it can only be a good thing!! When during your cycle are you worse do you know?

[chocoholic]

Hi Joannahelena! Your name sounds very Swedish:p Anyway, I totally underderstand what you mean--on the first day of my period I'm in agony (my joints) and then my symptoms will gradually get better after my period, with the random flare day in between. I always feel strangely well on the day right before my period though:eek: Wonder what that's all about?:rolleyes: I'm guessing it's the hormones that do it, I just wish there was something to take that would prevent symptoms from getting worse. Acupuncture sounds really neat, is it expensive?
Linda:p

[neongirl]

I flare starting about 3 days before my period and the flare subsides along with my period. I don't think it is a coincidence. Sometimes I will have a malar rash and a couple of spots pop up on my abdomen too.:(

[Unicorn]

Hi,

Just like to say i too find my symptoms get much worse just before and during my period!
Hormones must definately play a big part!

Take care
Netty from devon

xxxxxx

[Marika]

hi,
i have got an apointment with my rheumy on thursday...and i intend to ask him about this. i was really ill last week, and as i am 54 and dont really know when to expect my periods; this is one way to tell for me when they are due...4 or 5 days later . It's not just stomach cramps, but rheuma in my arms and legs..achillies heel swells up and knees really hurt..plus of course being dead tired. I will let you know what he says.
Marika:):)

[LoopyLoo]

Hi JoannaHelena,

You are not alone. I get aches & tiredness about 5 days before my period, it then tapers off a couple of days after I start. I also get very clumsy. I was diganosed with Lupus last June but I've been like this for several years

I've had hormone problems since I was in my late teens (I'm now 35) and if I don't take Evening Primrose Oil every day I get much worse e.g. extreme breast tenderness, bloating etc, headaches.

I don't have any children & can't tolerate any hormonal contraceptive. I was going to mention it to my Rheumy in March. I do know there have been other posts here on this subject in the past so you may want to search the boards.

Take care,

Pam xxx

[Rene]

My mentrual cycle is a terrible time for me. Not that anytime has been good!!But my period is awful. I even went to a GYN doctor to ask about a hysterectomy because I can hardly bare this time of month!!:mad: He did a ultra sound which was fine(thank GOD)but he acted like he wasn't listening when I told him how bad my situation is.He said that I was to young(I'm 38) to have a hysterectomy.I was frustrated because the visit seemed to be a waste except for the ultrasound that was just a good test to show everything looked ok. I have swelling and inflammation every day,but it is about 2 to 3 times as bad the week before and during my periods.My vision gets more blurred and I have a terrible time.I toss and turn most of the night moaning and groaning in pain and pure restlessness. I get tachycardia and sometimes I just tremble.I also feel like the lower part of my stomach is very heavy which makes it hard to walk.My brain fog also gets worse!I am going to try to set up a appointment with another GYN doctor. I feel like alot of these doctors don't know the extend of SLE(LUPUS)yes they know what it is BUT THEY REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS AND WHAT IS ALL ABOUT! Therefore they just don't really listen you just drown us out when we are talking to them. I did talk to may Rhematologist who is a caring doctor( I've seen probably 7)she is the best!She said it would be hard to find a doctor who would consider doing a hysterectomy. She did also explain that Lupus exacerbates the mentrual cycle. SO are periods can be really bad!!She did also explain to me that if I did have a hysterectomy then I would have to probably have a total hysterctomy because If I didn't remove the ovaries I would still have problems because of the hormones issue is what makes lupus worse. Then I would have to take possibly take hormone replacement which posses problems for lupus. So therefore it is a cath 20/20.I am still going to try to set another appointment with a gyn just for a second opinion. I sorry this has been rather lenghthy but I just thought I would try share what I was told. If you find anything that works please let me know!!! GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!:)

[Rene]

Hi JoannaHelena,

You are not alone. I get aches & tiredness about 5 days before my period, it then tapers off a couple of days after I start. I also get very clumsy. I was diganosed with Lupus last June but I've been like this for several years

I've had hormone problems since I was in my late teens (I'm now 35) and if I don't take Evening Primrose Oil every day I get much worse e.g. extreme breast tenderness, bloating etc, headaches.

I don't have any children & can't tolerate any hormonal contraceptive. I was going to mention it to my Rheumy in March. I do know there have been other posts here on this subject in the past so you may want to search the boards.

Take care,

Pam xxx




:) Pam, I noticed your reply on Primrose oil for mentrual problems. Please tell me how this has helped you and what mg and how you take it. I need relief and even if it is only just a little I would love to give it a try! I too have a terrible time and My breast are sore and tender all of the time but especially at this time of the month. If you don't mind, please message me with any info on this and any other remedies that have helped you! I would appreciate any advise. Lupus is awful and we all need tips and help. THANKS!!!!!!!WENDY

[LoopyLoo]

Wendy,

I sent you a PM.

I would stress to everyone to consult your doctor before taking anything new as Evening Primrose oil is not suitable for anyone with Epilepsy or with a sensitive tum.

Rgds,

Pam xxx

[ALWIN]

Yes

I too experience worse symptoms beginning 2 or 3 days before my period and reducing considerably once period finished. I tend to turn into a slug.

I used to think I should keep moving because I used to suffer from PMT and found keeping as active as I could was recommended.

HOWEVER, I have recently discovered that my best course of action these days is to keep my joints /muscles really warm (I'm a hot bod generally, but make myself wear extra t-shirt under clothes, thick socks, keep hands warm), and even lying in, then taking myself to bed for a sleep during the day for the first couple of days is extremely helpful. This month I have been really gentle on myself and I am having a good couple of days so far (it's 2 days post bleed now). I actually have some energy and whilst my joints/muscles are slightly achy and tired, I am mentally alert.

MIGRAINE: I don't know if it is of any help to anybody else, but I have suffered from migraines since my teens. I tend not to like to take medication, but have had to change my attitude to get general pain relief. Anyway, six months ago I was advised to take a low dose betablocker to get rid of migraines - I believed I was having 'normal headaches' becasue they are not as severe as when I was a teen. 3 or 4 times a week I had them & I simply got on with it. I now take 5mg (lowest possible dose - have to snap 10mg tab in half) once daily and I have not had a single migraine since and I do not get visual disturbances/aura anymore. I find this wonderful, but baffling. I am not getting side-effects, but not everybody can take betablockers.

Also, because my migraines went, I discovered my vision was questionable, so went to optician and found I needed specs! Even better. I am now doing things I took for granted, such as sewing , again. I had stopped because I thought it was all to do with lupus, and in my case it was migraine and the normal aging process.

Just thought I let people know because getting rid of even one symptom helps.

Alwin

[3forme]

PROSTAGLANDIN is HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!! and a major culprit in extra pain at period.....3forme

[nicky00]

I dread the week or so before my period.

I sollen,achy,clumsy,dizzy and stomach aches etc.

Having said all that I have also been totally suprised on rare occasions and have been fine leading up but have felt awful at that time during .

If asked I would say that hormones make intensify symtoms etc or bring them on.

Nicky