I had my first appt. with rhuemy dr. a few days ago, and don't have an official dx yet, but I'm sure having the symptoms. I appologize in advance if someone has posted this question before, but how many of you had symptoms coinciding with a change in hormones - ie: perimenopause, hysterectomy, pregnancy, getting off HRT? (Hope this question isn't too personal).
Hi Pooh
I know that some of the other ladies posting here have, as has been discussed on the board and the other one at www.rafriends.com.
I just can't pinpoint exactly which threads they were on.
Perhaps someone will come along who can remember.
How long have you had RA symptoms?
Don't worry about asking questions. That's what we are here for.
From what I've heard, a lot of woman have their RA kick started by
My mom said 'Compared to women, men don't have problems!'
Marian, your mother is so right, that's why I just handle it myself. Every man I ever had just got in the way or caused more work.
There was a definate connection for me. When I went off BCP's, my mild and fleeing joint pain turned into full-blown RA. When I went on HRT, my RA which was so bad that I could not even pull the covers up with my hands, backed down about 80 percent. I went from almost not being able to get out of a chair to doing step aerobics. I also am on the AP and the some literature I had on the therapy stated that if your horomones aren't in balance, then the AP might not work to its fullest potential. I had them checked and my hormones were almost non-existant .No wonder I felt so bad! I was put on HRT and life changed completely. My joint pain, stiffness, and mood improved It was like a miracle.
I recently changed to low-dose HRT and did not note any difference in how I feel.
I had an Ovarian tumor when I had my first symptoms six years ago. I had a hysterectomy and ra must have gone in remission. Came back full blown last year. I am on hormone replacement therapy. I think there is definitely a connection with hormones and ra. Too many related stories.Marcia
Hey Pooh,
I too had a hysterectomy about five years ago, and my Dr took me off of hormones about 2 years ago because of the big Estrogen scare. I was off of them for 2 years and started with the little symptoms (not knowing symptoms of what) it progressed from my feet to my shoulders to my hands.....when all of this started happening to me in March I was grasping at any thought of reason as to how all of this happened "all at once".....I started taking Estratest (hormone) about 2 months ago on my own withiout "that Doctor's consent". I can't tell that I'm a whole lot better but I'm not worse and seem to have more good days that I use to. My new Chiropractor is convinced my problems are coming from bone spurs and bulding disk in my neck putting pressure on nerves causing all of this pain in my hands.....He said certain nerves and stuff in your neck will cause you pain all over. And inflame your other joints.
As to the hormone thing...the jury is still out for me I'll let you know after I've been back on them for awhile.
Feel Better
KAT