PMR/Prednisolone - Pelvic floor issues and endometrial proliferation

[Gimme]

Interested to find out

- if prednisolone is known to weaken pelvic floor muscles, since it can cause muscles to weaken elsewhere.

- and if there is any link between prednisolone and endometrial proliferation in post menopausal women.

Pretty sure that the first is a thing, and initial look at the second suggests it could be a possibility, but I haven't found a definitive answer.

I've started the thread to see if anything pops up under previous discussions, but interested to hear if anyone has any knowledge on this.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I had urinary continence problems with untreated PMR - but once I was on pred that improved except if I had a UTI. That hasn't got worse again even with 15 years of pred.

[Gimme]

I did find one old related thread. healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SnazzyD]

Towards the end of my Pred journey I had a small vaginal prolapse due to my bladder not being held up any more. I went to a specialist pelvic physio who said that muscle loss and weakness from the Pred and being ill for 3 years had caused it. She noted that my whole pelvic area, hips and low back were pathetic. I thought they were ok, but when guided through certain movements I was clearly mistaken. I had to do a number of specific exercises to strengthen these up so that the pelvic floor was not solely having to take the strain from organs etc. It made a big difference. Coincidentally I was seeing a podiatrist for Achilles tendinopathy. She came to the same conclusion about my low back and hips.

[Gimme in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you for sharing, Snazzy. I saw that you had had issues from that old thread I found. I think I am in a similar situation. My core muscles have never been brilliant, but I think the PMR and prednisolone might have taken its toll, and maybe a knock on effect on the pelvic floor?. I'm not sure which to blame, tbh. Any idea how I might find a pelvic physio?

Having some real issues with my lady bits atm. I was finding sitting really painful after a short while, which is a particular nuisance when you are feeling as fatigued as I have been. Went to the doctor and she sent me for a scan. It turns out that I have cysts on my ovaries and so they did the blood test for the cancer protein and that is clear thankfully. They also noticed that I have endometrial thickening. It's all still under investigation, but it prompted me to to do some investigations to see if it might be connected with the PMR or the steroids and also to see if this has been discussed before in the group.

Have an appointment with the doc on Thursday to discuss the test results. She did mention the possibility of prolapse in passing, but I was in too much pain to examine properly, so I will have to ask her more about that during my appointment. I almost went through the roof when they did the scan, so I knew that something is up.

[SnazzyD in reply to Gimme]

Just now I googled pelvic specialist physio and various results popped up, so you could try that. It can also be women’s pelvic health and the like. I was just lucky in that the GP knew about one locally.

[Gimme in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for that. I'll see what the doc says on Thurs first. I was prepared for possibly having to pay myself just to get something done.

[marionofnorwich in reply to Gimme]

I have been on pred for 4 years. After 2 years I was referred to a rheumatologist who detected a fibroid (it was diagnosed in 2002 and I was told it would go at menopause). I had an ultrasound and it measured 10cm An MRI some months later showed 12cm. I have just had another to see of it has grown again (twice measured with the same tools is more accurate I guess). At some pount I also developed an umbilical hernia though I suspect that was linked to Alendronic Acid which made my abdomen bloat. I will let you know the MRI says when I get the result

[Broseley]

Thank you for posting this, so timely as I have my first physio appointment next week and I'll ask about it. I too, have noticed a weakness in my pelvic floor. I have never had children. But if I need the loo and sneeze, a bit of leakage occurs. More worryingly, I get leakage from my bowel, especially when walking. This made me so sore once that I bled. Now I'm wary about walking!

I put it down to old age, I'd never thought it could be related to pred use. So thanks!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Broseley]

Have you reported both to your GP? Incontinence can be a sign of disc problems and needs to be checked out.

[Broseley in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks I hadn't made that connection. She thinks my knee problem is related to my back and referred me to Musculoskeletal. I'm waiting for some xray results she sent me for.

[PMRCanada]

I saw a pelvic floor physiotherapist after my partial hysterectomy to help release one side of my pelvic floor that was very tight/taut and sore as a result. She was very informed and skilled and after four sessions I experienced so much relief.

As far as strengthening your pelvic floor, beyond doing kegel exercises on your own, there are some great products you can utilize to help you. I used to introduce them to folks in my “Aging and Sexuality” series. Send me a private message (or look up the products online), for more info.

I do hope you get some relief soon.