Links between Methotrexate and menopause

[Katk123]

hello,

has anyone experienced entering into early menopause whilst on Methotrexate?

I'm 41 years old and have been on Methotrexate for almost 2 years,I'm. Experiencing menopausal symptoms but GP won't do a blood test to test hormone levels and suggests could be down to my arthritis meds.

thanks

[soul22]

Hello

I'm on methotrexate,

No sadly not case for me im 51 still no menopause.

Oh dear,not heard of methotrexate affecting bleeds or stopping them.

Steriods however do affect me I bleed more and frequently.

I'm about to re start methotrexate after having bad infection then shingles then a fall concussion.

Had my covid extra booster yesterday so told got wait till next week before having methotrexate.

I'd discuss with rheumatology hun,I often email nurse helpline.

They are so good

Gp should do tests rheumatology consultant can write asking her to for me..

I had 2 months no bleed so thought ok menopause, but nope was just dye being ill infection.

Take care hope u tests need soon

[Choccy8]

Hi Katk. I took Methotrexate very briefly around 18 months ago (I am also 41!) and it did seem to affect my period. I had just started a bleed when I took the first dose and the bleeding stopped completely for 36 hours. This made me a bit lairy of taking more. I did some research and found some studies linking methotrexate to early menopause. Apparently, the thinking used to be that it wouldn't do this at the relatively low doses used in Rheumatology, compared to what's used in cancer treatment, but I found some studies that suggested it might affect the hormones at Rheumatology levels. I remember sending some links to articles to my Rheumatology nurse, so I could post them here if you would be interested. I'm sorry you're going through this and that you're not getting more help from your GP. Take care,

Choccy x

[RachelD1972]

Yes I did. I started having night sweats at 42 and my GP did test to rule out anything else. My periods were very light and erratic for another 8 years. My GP also sent me for a dexa bone scan and as I was unsure about hrt put me on high dose calcium/vit d to protect my bones. Might be worth trying gp again or asking to see a different one.