ask: does the menstrual cycle affect the symptoms of ulcerative colitis? can it trigger a flare-up?
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Anonymous
March 23, 2009 - 2:19pm
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Anon, thank you so much for your question.
I am assuming you have colitis, and that you're having increased symptoms around the time of your period?
The answer is yes, that symptoms do worsen (in both ulcerative colitis and in Crohn's Disease) around the time of your period, due to the changes in your levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Some women go on birth control pills to help control the symptoms.
It's also common for women with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) also have flare-ups related to their periods.
Here are a couple of resources that discuss this:
http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/relatedconditions/a/ibsibdpms.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9772046
http://dailystrength.org/c/Crohns_Disease_Ulcerative_Colitis/forum/36224...
Can you tell us what specifically is happening with you?
March 25, 2009 - 8:44amThis Comment
I have a question too. I am now in the menopause and my UC has flared and I am not responding to the usual UC meds. Is the menopause complicating my condition and does anyone have a solution that worked for them? Please advise. Thank you.
August 26, 2010 - 10:42amMenopause could be complicating your UC symptoms, as your hormones are changing; similar to women's UC symptoms flaring around the time of their periods since their hormones are fluctuating.
Are you currently using any type of treatment for your menopausal symptoms?
August 26, 2010 - 12:31pmThank you. I take Dr. Schutze's Female drops and it prevents hot flashes.
August 26, 2010 - 1:10pmWhat should I be taking? I really need to end my UC flare as it has changed my quality of life and threatens my ability to work.
My menopause has caused me to experience loss of joy/happiness, I'm moody and I was having warm flashes at night.
Thank you for your additional information.
I will do some research, and see what I can find. I understand how UC can absolutely impact your quality of life. I am so sorry you are going through this.
We will get back to you soon with some more information!
August 26, 2010 - 1:29pm