Question about MTX

I am new here, and I have a question about Methotrexate. I am currently taking 25mg (10 pills) a week. I have been on MTX for 1 year. My question is can MTX mess up menstrual cycles? I am 49, and I think I MAY be experiencing Peri-Menopause, but according to my doctor, my hormone levels were "ok". My cycles seem to be getting longer,(farther apart) and very light. I have read that MTX can effect cycles, but when I asked my doctor about it, she didn't think it was possible. What is the truth?

i am havin gthe same issue- have an rd appointment next week, and will be asking then-

will be 48 in a few weeks, and was told 2 years ago that am peri-

may just be that time for me...

will see.

I am 31 and on 20mg of methotrexate a week and my menstral cycles have not been affected, but medicine does affect everyone differently.  I am just really glad that the methotrexate is working for me.  I have only been diagnosed with RA  will be a year in May so to start out on a drug that works well was good news to me.  I really love these message boards.  Lots of info.

Love,

Cyndi

I'm not sure about the mtx affecting a person's periods, but I can tell you that I was on it and my periods did get lighter and less frequent.  Although, I'm 46 and pretty sure I'm already in menopause...haven't had a period since last June.  Plus, I have hot flashes, night sweats, drier skin, etc....all symptoms of menopause.  I quit taking the mtx almost 2 years ago, so if it did affect my hormone levels, it continued to do so after I was off of it. 

As for hormone levels, my gyno told me that you cannot trust the hormone level tests until you're into menopause.  Many women will continue to have normal readings when they're in perimenopause.  He said that you're best judge is your symptoms.  I began having shorter periods and symptoms of perimenopause when I was around 40 and the periods continued to get lighter and less frequent each year. 

I'd venture to guess that you are in perimenopause.  Women with autoimmune diseases tend to go through menopause earlier than the average woman.

Carol

Hi I don't have that problem because I had a hysterectomy  before I started on the MTX but since it is a chemo drug it can affect periods.  I know that we take it in lower doses than are used for cancer patients but all of the chemo drugs can affect your cycles.

Hi,

I am not sure about the meds, but I am sure that that could very well have an effect. My periods stopped when I got sick, my RD told me that the RA itself can cause problems. Maybe both have an effect on it.

Lu

PS Haven't had a period on over a year, and I sure don't miss them!!!

I’m 34 and I’ve been on Methotrexate for over two years now. I’m now in menopause!! I haven’t had a period at all for over a year now. Both of my doctors say it could be from the medication I’ve taken over the last 11 years to control my RA or the disease itself. Autoimmune disorders are often the cause of what is referred to as “early menopause” which would be considered before the age of 40. I’m just happy I had my children while I was young and am not now sitting around mad at my doctors for never warning me that this could happen. I’d be heart broken if I wasn’t able to have children because of this disease or the treatment.

I just started MTX 4 weeks ago, and before I started I read a lot about it, and I do seem to recall reading somewhere that it can affect your menstrual cycle.  Also since I started taking it, a couple of people have asked me if I've highlighted my hair, and I haven't (nor have I spent any time in the sun although I wish I had!) Wonder if that has anything to do the MTX?  It's either that or all the stress & worry is going to turn my hair white! This is quite an odyssey isn't it?

Good luck!