Sorry to all the men out there but I have to ask this question.
Does anyone else find that their symtoms worsen when they get their
period? I have been in more pain this week then I can
remember. I'm not sure if it is in combination with the weather
(rainy and cold) or if it is due to the water retention of which there
is plenty. I am also thinking that enbrel is no longer working
for me. The only RA med that I am taking right now is enbrel and
that is changng to humira at the end of the month. The dr didn't
change because of enbrel not working but for a more convienient
injection schedule.
That's a good question. I've just started to keep a log of my symptoms/which medications I am on (with dates and all). I'll see if I notice a pattern around that time. Love and gentle hugs, Juliah
RMaria,Yes, I have increased stiffness right before. Great question, it will be interesting to see the answers.
There is a well established link with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and levels of oestrogen......got to be connected surely? I think oestrogen reduces the break down of bone material, but I'm not sure about the whole hormone level change thing that happens every month. As far as I know there has been no connection made with RA and hormones, though I am worse every month for a couple of days (and I haven't been officially diagnosed yet). Worries me a little bit though since I am on the pill!
Hi - yes, me too. although my RA has been consistently improving, just last week it took a little punch at me to coincide with the days running up to and beginning my period.
Looking for an underlying cause for my RA (still - see leaky gut discussion!) I checked out a PMS board. It's apparently common for symptoms of any condition to get worse pre-menstrually.
Maybe it is the oestrogen (why do so many of us middle aged women get RA), or the (connected?) fluid accumulation at that time. Isn't middle age when oestrogen begins to be dominant - or at least when progesterone fails? I may be talking out of my behind here..... does any one know?
Also - I know that when I have PMT - I will not accept half measures from myself - so tend to overdo everything, just when my body is crying out 'halt!'....
WITH APOLOGIES TO THOSE OF YOU WHO DIDN'T GET RA AT MIDDLE AGE!