Hydroxychloroquine affecting hormones??

[Tinylittlemac]

Hello everyone,

I can’t seem to find any information about this online so I was wondering if any of you wise souls can help.

Ever since I’ve started taking Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus (I’ve been on it for 3 weeks now) my hormones have been massively out of wack! I’m on the progesterone only mini pill (desogestrel 75mg) and have been for almost 3 years with no problems.

I’ve been taking that as usual, but I’ve had breakthrough bleeding, wild mood swings with quite low mood which is really unusual for me.

I’ve also experienced a Migraine with Aura which I haven’t experienced for 3 years since they took me off the contraceptive pill with estrogen. My libido has also plummeted below the negatives.

This is all since the Hydroxychloroquine

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Has anyone else experienced a similar thing? I’m so concerned about it. I really don’t want to stop taking the drug as I really need it to work for my Lupus.

All the best,

Mac

[Spanielmadlady]

hi.i take the same as you .ive been on hydroxy for 4 years and desogestrol for over 3 without any real issues.ive had a couple breakthroughs recently but im also menopause age so who knows 🤔

What i would say is though its very early days for hydroxy...it takes months to work properly and everything could settle down with time but do speak to your dr if you are at all worried .best wishes sml xx

[Aurali]

Hi Tinylittlemac

Sorry to hear of your problems.

I am having awful problems with headaches, I was taking 200mg per day but started getting a lot of headaches and migraine aura. I was changed to every other day on 200mg which much improved the headaches but my lupus symptoms increased.

I was then put on 200mg Mon to Fri to see how it goes but headaches are now increasing and aura are now getting worse again.

I really dont know what to do for the best as I suffer either way 😪

I hope your issues do get better 😊 xx

[Tinylittlemac in reply to Aurali]

Hi Aurali,

It’s interesting to hear you’ve also been experiencing Migraine with Aura whilst on Hydroxychloroquine! I can’t find any information online as to why that might be. I hope your symptoms improve and thank you for the solidarity! I’m relieved it’s perhaps not just my hormones.

All the best,

Mac

[cakerbaker]

HI Mac

Sorry to hear you have all this extra stuff going on. Not what you need.

Progesterone pills can go out of whack if you are stressed unwell or start new meds. This can cause bleeding and mood swings etc. It may settle down but always best to get it checked by family planning doctors. Ours are really good here so i know they check everything.

Have you got a rheumy appointment anytime soon or can you call and ask them? Either way definitely ring and ask.

Otherwise fingers crossed you feel better soon. Tc

[Tinylittlemac]

Thank you for your answer! I have an appointment next week so I’ll ask them! Mac x