Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Crohn's and menstrual cycle


Tue, August 23, 2011 8:46 PM

I got my Crohn's diagnosis this year for my 26th birthday (WOO-HOO)! I was in the hospital for 9 days and am enjoying, to say the least, all of the medicine that comes along with it.  Has anyone out there experienced multiple mestrual cycles in one month?  I am on my 2nd one of the month, and don't know if it's from the meds or the stress on my body.  Thanks!

FPO lhspurgin
Joined Aug 23, 2011

Fri, November 18, 2011 11:04 PM

 Reply posted for crohnsmommy.

I was reading your post and was wondering what age are you?  I do the same thing.  I had the balloon ablation done also, and I too have 2 cycles a month now.  I am age 42 but my tummy trouble has been going since 2004.  They said in 2008 I had IBS, which I did not believe.  And now the doctor I am seeing says all my symptoms match Crohn's but not my blood work??????  So I have no clue, I do know though this is not IBS.  Any way I was wondering your age because now they are wanting to throw the period stuff on peri-menopause something else I don't believe.  I had these symptoms long before they did the ablation.  Do you have sweats?  I have cold clammy sweats and have been having them since this started in 2004, I don't believe I was having hot flashes at age 35, I know my sex hormones were checked around then and everything was fine now I have a low progesterone.   I have been also experiencing joint pain that just keeps getting worse.  Started with my left knee, was told it was osteoarthritis and that I needed a scope of my knee, now the pain is worse in that knee and has also started in my other knee, my elbows (which is starting to get really painful) my hips, ankles, and shoulders.  I have also broke out in a rash all over my back now for going on 8 mos.  It clears up but never goes away.  My first thought was acne because of the sweats, but this rash itches and seems to get worse when tummy trouble starts up.

FPO kimberlycochran
Joined Nov 18, 2011

Wed, October 26, 2011 5:20 PM

 Reply posted for lhspurgin.

I notice that my cycle makes my Crohn's symptoms worse and probably doesn't help with my iron level, since I also get anemia and require iron infusions or a blood transfusion.  

Thank God I only get it for 5-7 days a month and that's it.  I don't think my body would be able to take the loss of blood that would come from having my period more than 7 days. 
Are you anemic too?  I'd watch for that especially if you bleed from Crohn's too.  If you feel unusually tired and out of breath when going up stairs or exerting any kind of energy that usually is effortless for you, get your levels checked.  

FPO alivein315
Joined May 30, 2009

Tue, October 11, 2011 12:38 AM

 Reply posted for lhspurgin.

I notice since I have been diagnosis with Crohn's Disease since 2004. That my Crohn's and anemia flare up at the same time its like a triple whammmy. I have notice that I have been having alot of joint pain and swelling in my ankles and legs lately. I have my good days and I have my not so good days. I have had one major flare up a year ago and minor flare up since then. I just mentally prepare myself each month for what I will endure with my menstral cycle. I can have a full 8 hours of sleep and still feel tried. I know this come from my anemia so I drink grape juice. It helps with my iron level due to the loss of blood during my menstration.

FPO lusicous
Joined Oct 11, 2011

Wed, August 24, 2011 10:33 PM

 Reply posted for lhspurgin.

Unfortunately yes. I started having it 2 per month after a bad reaction to Remicade. They said it would go away after a few months, but never did. Sorry I don't have better news for you. I did the uterine ablation and stopped my periods for a year. Then they restarted exactly a year later. They so far are more like spotting, but after a couple months I was back to twice a month or at least bad cramps every two weeks. The surgery fix was very nice while it lasted.

FPO crohnsmommy
Joined Jun 19, 2008

Wed, August 24, 2011 6:20 PM

 Reply posted for lhspurgin.

The opposite... I skipped a lot of them until I was healthy again.

FPO neverending
Joined Dec 8, 2010

Related Topics

Total Proctocolectomy
Author Image rams01
Joined Jan 18, 2023

Hi, I'm a 21yr old female with Crohn's. I ....

read more