Does OA get worse when pre menstrual?

[Julesboz]

Hi, I’m wondering if anyone here who suffers from OA finds that it gets worse before and during their period? I have been tested for RA and apparently don’t have it but do have OA in my hands. I’ve been finding recently that it gets worse in the week before my period and during it. Is this something others find? I know RA can get worse at this time but, seeing as OA is not supposed to be inflammatory, does it make any sense for OA to get worse?

Thanks!

[DartmoorDumpling]

It is a while now since I endured the monthly miseries...one of the advantages of getting older is leaving all that behind!

However, as I recall, my body suffered mainly from fluid retention and carbohydrate (mainly bread and chocolate) cravings during the week before and during, and it could be the change in diet (if you are finding similar) that aggravates the OA in your joints?

Mood swings were likely and skin irritations...spots and allergies were more prevalent. The whole immune system is at its lowest...but again could be linked to a poor diet during those days.

[Julesboz in reply to DartmoorDumpling]

Thanks, my diet doesn’t really change that much when I’m premenstrual because of food intolerances. I’m guessing, because no one else responded, that most people don’t suffer worsening symptoms at this time. I’ve been referred to an orthopaedic surgeon as my hands are getting worse anyway. Despite having been tested by a rheumatologist and being told it’s not autoimmune, my GP thinks it might be because of my symptoms.

[Janie1974 in reply to Julesboz]

I have OA in my knees and definitely find symptoms worse a week before and during my periods. I read somewhere it can be connected to changing oestrogen levels at these times