Ladies: Crohn's & Menstruation

[Shannon]

Do you all notice any changes in your general monthly experience when flaring? Because honestly it seems like everything goes to hell for me around that time of the month. It's either C or D or both intensified, and then it's regular cramps on top of stomach cramps, and my anemia is worsened, so I'm more fatigued, and with all the pills I'm on - I'm already having mood swings, so then comes the hormonal mood swings on top of that!

It's the most wonderful time.

 

[Jennifer]

There was another thread on the same subject not too long ago here: http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=13212

How much Iron are you taking?

 

[ACNewt]

Oh yeah, my time of the month is HELL now that I am flaring. The cramps are seriously crippling. I am so sorry for you... You are definitely not alone.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Yes, yes and yes!

 

[bethany84]

I have actually found that since I developed Crohns and since my 1st hospitalisation, when I was seriously ill, I don't actually have periods! So I don't really have a point of reference. I wish I did (may sound like a strange thing to wish for!) as it's something I have been asked about before in case it is relevant to my treatment. Plus it may not bode well in terms of fertility for me for the future I guess.

 

[ThanksP]

Mine were so bad that I started taking a low hormone birth control and life is a MILLION times better. Haven't had that issue since.

 

[Entchen]

Yes. I'm switching to Depo Provera to try to stop my periods altogether.

 

[Shannon]

Oh geez. Yeah, I'm dizzy and just really not well.

 

[ellecubed]

I definitely experience worsening symptoms when on my period. I can tell I am getting it because my D gets much worse and my moods are all over the place.

 

[Lisa]

Yep.....I get more crampy, loose stools etc.....

 

[Mountaingem]

Yes, before my hysterectomy I had maybe two weeks of normal and then the third and fourth week I would have terrible D, esp. during my cycle. Cramping was excruciating, too. I also actually skipped my period for three months and just knew I was pregnant. After 3 negative home pregnancy tests I went to the doctor for the blood test. My OB/Gyn sent me straight to the GI doctor who put me on pred, even before GI symptoms began because inflammation markers where so elevated. I had a really bad flare building up and apparently it put so much stress on my body I stopped menstruating.

 

[VintageAnn]

Prior to having my uterus ripped from my body via my vagina my periods were awful and the D would start a few day before my period and was more intense than any other time of the month. Since my hysterectomy I can honestly tell you that I don't miss my period at all. I had my children when I was very young. I was done having babies at 22. So I had 20 or so more years of having to have a period until I finally convinced my ob/gyn to yank what I didn't need. Now I just have the hot flashes from hell every now and then. Men have it so easy.

You girls that are still having periods and flaring at that time of the month are in my prayers. We have enough "crap" to put up with already. The period just adds insult to injury.

Ann

 

[Mountaingem]

OUCH! I agree, when I no longer had my period it was like "Freedom!" I feel for all the ladies still suffering with it,too.

My hysterectomy left me with a lovely souvenir-a five inch vertical scar. My doctor was like "Uh, did you still want to wear a bikini?" You gotta love male doctors-I just had a fibroid the size of a cantalope removed and he's asking me about bikinis-lol! :ywow:

 

[MommaDot]

Yes, I always have more intense pain during ovulation, halfway through the cycle. And the crampy/diarrhea stuff a few days before the period. I have been fortunate enough that it is not bad enough to keep me from my regular activities, but a nuisance, nonetheless. Sometimes I would think a flare was coming on and it was just TOM.

 

[eilsew]

I've just been diagnosed with CD, but have always had D with my periods. Now that I'm having a flare up, I have the worst menstrual cramps of my life! And my doctors say I can't take the normal pain killers I've been taking all these years (NSAIDS?).

 

[JoFowler]

Sometimes I get terrible, extremely painful gas for days leading up to my period.

 

[Dawnmg]

Hi have noticed since my last major flare, I havn't had a period in 2 months. Its really odd, I never really seemed to have an issue til now, however, I have never really flared as bad as I do now. And nope I'm not pregnant!