Periods and Crohn's -Sorry gentlemen! :)

[Porkpie84]

Hello there fellow female Crohnies,

Just a quick question Me and my mum are newly diagnosed to Crohns disease. Her in January and me in May. We have different symptoms since both our bowel resections. I think thats mainly due to my mum having more bowel removed. But basically around the time we are due on our periods we both notice that our stomachs feel more tender, bloated etc. Its mainly my mum who feels worse though and I told her that I would post on the forum to see whether people too experience more discomfort.

Any feedback would be great! Periods and pmt can be horrid for most women but I'm presuming for us Crohnies that symptoms can be exacerbated. Let me know what you think

Becky x

 

[Porkpie84]

Also I feel I may have put this is the wrong part of the forum. Sorry to the administrators if so! I wasnt looking to go into detail though. Just wondering whether your Crohns symptoms are made worse.

Cheers x

 

[Lisa]

Yup - I typically feel worse (even when in remission) around my period time - also the output changes - usually gets more toward D.....could have to do with the hormonal changes!

 

[JenniferH]

Me too. I def suffer from D during my period. In fact, because of very bad periods I have the Mirena coil fitted, and although it has nearly stopped all bleeding and symptoms, I still get constipation followed by bad D and Crohns pain most months.

 

[Sarahjh]

I just think periods in general are rubbish. Crohns may make your periods worse, I just find the D comes a lot more. If it's causing you and your mum much discomfort, visit your GP x

 

[Dunbar]

D worse the day before and first day. Always, even before diagnoses. Hormones I am going to do a test to find out where my estrogen & progesteren(spellings off) levels are & if I need to do anything about it. I am 47 so I want to get my ducks in a row before menopause kicks in. like I need more issues if I can alleviate the D Once a month,i will I will post back here if I have any success.

 

[Mountaingem]

Oh, yes, before my hysterectomy it was sheer hell the week before and the first few days of my period! My gyno says that the uterus swells and presses into the intestines prior to your cycle which of course sets the Crohn's off.

 

[Awbrey]

I have to agree I feel that hormone levels make me feel worse during that time :-(

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

I have always had D the first day or so of my period. But as my periods started 5 years before I had any other Crohn's symptoms, I always just thought that was what periods were.
I have never made the connection untill now!

 

[RochelleRudolph]

Hi Porkpie,

Hey, i am also in Manchester!

I have never had bad periods, and have been in remission with my Crohns for 10 years until now. Since starting this recent flare up, my periods have been a bit odd. Last month i had the most horrific pain on the first day with more D and i am generally constipated the rest of the month. I definitely think the Crohns symptoms have gotten worse during my period!

Rochelle
xxx

 

[tishbite]

When I get my period I always have a mini flare. It's the worst. On top of my cramps being killer I also have severe diarrhea and bloating. My period is irregular though so I only get it every 3 or so months thank god.

 

[shazz]

It wasnt until I read this that I put it all together so thanks for this!!
I have only just been dx with UC but had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 34.
I never had regular periods but I alwys knew when mine was due. I would get unbelievable cramps for 2 days before followed by really bad d. 1 hour after my period would start. Without fail. Weird!!
Am so relieved I had a hysterectomy cause I dont think I could deal with that on top of everything else.
Sharon xxxx

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

I asked my sister who doesn't have crohn's - but has worse periods than me, and she says she gets D as well. So maybe its just a periods thing?

 

[kyi]

i researched this the other week after thinking this myself but they dont know why but periods and crohns is linked and makes the pain alot worse>i suppose they are living next door to each Other so i guess when your period off on one our bowels are getting the brunt of it lol
i also go through a mini flare once a month
what us women go through!!haha xx

 

[Porkpie84]

Thanks for all your replies everyone!

Really good to hear other peoples experiences. I guess periods do affect all women differently, but like a few of you said I just thought that since your bowels and lady equipment are quite close together it could cause more discomfort. Makes sense I guess. I think I have more abdominal pain/bloating than my friends and sisters whilst on. I do also suffer with really bad D whilst im on my period. The joys eh! haha

Us women deserve badges!

x