lupus flares with menstral cycle?

2177 Views 11 Replies 12 Participants Last post by ceejay742, Mar 14, 2014

Karen B

Discussion Starter · Mar 19, 2009

I think I see a pattern - but am not sure.

I started getting swelling in my hand in Oct, it has gotten progressively worse with additional symptoms added like mouth sores, fever, fatigue, swollen glands, facial rash (very small - but this is the newest symptom) - the pattern I think I see is, I think, monthly - with slight recessions where there are little to know irritating symptoms then a couple of weeks of worsening and new symptoms. It is building, but like two steps forward one back kind of progress.

So here's the thing; I'm 48 almost 49 and I had a hysterectomy in 1987, they left both ovaries so I am still having a cycle but I have no menus so I don't really know when my cycle is - when my step daughter was living with me I could tell that I was cycling with her but the last few years I just don't pay attention, and of course I expect menopause any day now.

Is Lupus related to your menstrual cycle? Or is it just an arbitrary pattern that I'm seeing with no relationship -

thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

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Ocean1

· #2 · Mar 19, 2009

Hi Karen,

Sorry to hear of youve not been well.

My symptoms are most definatly linked with my menstrual cycle, i find that 1-2weeks before and during my period all of my symptoms seem to be worse.

Im no expert but im sure ive read somewhere that pre-menstrual exacerbations are common with auto immune conditions.
Im sure someone who is much more knowledgeable will be along soon to reply to you, but just thought id let you know my experiences,
Take care

All the Best
x x x x x x x x

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Maia

· #3 · Mar 19, 2009

Many women will report a worsening of lupus symptoms one week prior to their menstrual cycle and into the first few days. I have certainly noticed that myself. Doctors in the know will also have read that this is commonly reported to them by their patients and in the literature as well.

It's not entirely known *why* that happens although there are several theories. You may have a few more years to wait... average age of menopause is 51!

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mooks

· #4 · Mar 20, 2009

heya,

yes my sle definately gets worse before my period. My Rheumy says its really common and if i was feeling worse i could always look at putting my steroids up for that one week a month. however now im on methotrexate my cycle has gone all crazy again so no clue hahaha.

Hope you get the answers you're searching for xxxxxxxxx

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Pamatha

· #5 · Mar 20, 2009

I see this pattern too but have not mentioned it to my doctor. I did not think that it could be related. I go in a week or so and am definately going to mention this.

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onetay

· #6 · Mar 30, 2009

karen,
With lupus anything is possible and so I don't want to say no. It is also very different with each person. I link you have found or think you have found might be what triggers your flares. When you don't have it any more than you might find something else that triggers it, as it adapts very well to find new triggers at will. Keep a journal and make your notes so that you can see if there is really a link for you. I do hope you start feeling well soon.

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pollianna

· #7 · Mar 31, 2009

yep I find that my lil body can't seem to handle having a cycle. I'm very light, hardly there at all but it knocks me for 6 every month

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Meriel

· #8 · Apr 10, 2009

Hi, I also notice a pattern each month., I mentioned it to my Doctor and he seemed to think it's quite common.

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a_muchko

· #9 · Apr 30, 2009

Me Too

Karen B;538733 said:
I think I see a pattern - but am not sure.

I started getting swelling in my hand in Oct, it has gotten progressively worse with additional symptoms added like mouth sores, fever, fatigue, swollen glands, facial rash (very small - but this is the newest symptom) - the pattern I think I see is, I think, monthly - with slight recessions where there are little to know irritating symptoms then a couple of weeks of worsening and new symptoms. It is building, but like two steps forward one back kind of progress.

So here's the thing; I'm 48 almost 49 and I had a hysterectomy in 1987, they left both ovaries so I am still having a cycle but I have no menus so I don't really know when my cycle is - when my step daughter was living with me I could tell that I was cycling with her but the last few years I just don't pay attention, and of course I expect menopause any day now.

Is Lupus related to your menstrual cycle? Or is it just an arbitrary pattern that I'm seeing with no relationship -

thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

I definitely have been experiencing these exact symptoms this menstrual cycle. I figured out that my menstrual cycle was most likely competing with my Lupus and causing havoc on my body. it was pretty much intuitive. it feels awful but it helps me to know what is causing it so I can explain it and treat myself with the proper TLC.:umm:

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alimonkey

· #10 · May 1, 2009

I wondered if there was something connecting how I was feeling with my cycle, I've suffered for years. I've always had heavy periods, and I've taken the pill (didn't like the side effects, vomiting mostly), I tried contraceptive implants which made me have a 64 day long period (GP never heard anything like or since!) then I had a mirena two years ago, which finally seems to stop the heavy bleeding. But I definately notice my symptoms being worse at that time of the month, particularly the fatigue.

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paz-de-resistancia

· #11 · Feb 6, 2014

I am so so so glad to have found this post!

I have been experiencing what I call a noodle-like fatigue 1-2 days before my period starts. I also get a bad migraine headache 2-3 days before. It wasn't until this current cycle that I really thought that the Lupus flares were being impacted. I cannot discern if the period is affecting the Lupus or if the Lupus is affecting the period. I don't get cramps anymore, like I did in my teens. Everything is pretty regular and light. But the fatigue and migraine have me immobilized for 1-3 days each month. This is relatively new--within the last 6 months.

Does anyone take anything, any other supplements? Do anything special?

--LRJ

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ceejay742

· #12 · Mar 14, 2014

Hello everyone lupus is very new to me. I was diagnosed a few months ago and I am having a lot of symptoms that I am having to find the answers to myself. I too have major fatigue around my cycle time. I am so glad that I found this site. this site is very informative. I am glad to know that I am not alone. thank you lord for sites like this.

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