Time of the month x

[Laurajcartwright84]

Hi my name is Laura I’ve had scleroderma for just over 12 years but need advice from other ladies with it! Can it affect your menstrual cycle? I’ve been missing every other period and am wondering if it could be the scleroderma causing it x

[pino99]

Hi Laura,

I had a normal period with scleroderma for over eight years, however, when they gave me cyclophosphamide last year my period suddenly stopped altogether and has never come back. So I think is more a side effect of drugs than a consequence of scleroderma itself.

Take care,

Pino

[LucyJean]

Hi Laura, I would say it is unlikely to be the scleroderma itself, but things can change as a consequence of the scleroderma that might influence your periods. Obviously if you are having a flare of symptoms and are unwell as a result it can impact, but usually it will be other things such as if your digestive system is affected and as a result you are low on iron and anaemic this will affect it. If you have lost weight then that will affect it (low weight can stop your periods). As the other person said their might be immunosuppressant drugs you are taking that influence your ovaries and thus how often you are ovulating. Sometimes this might cause an early menopause, but the fact that you are still having periods is good. You don't mention your age, unless the 84 refers to the year you were born, but as we get older then the egg making factory does get a little bit less efficient If the periods you are having are 'normal' for you I really wouldn't worry. I would check my iron levels and nutrition in general. Also stress levels can influence the system so if other things in life are going on then this might be having an effect.

Hope that helps

Lucy xxx

[Laurajcartwright84 in reply to LucyJean]

Hi sorry I’m 33 xx

[breeynnj]

Hey Laura, have you found any more information on this? I'm wondering because I've been off of my medication (methotrexate) for almost a year now as we're trying to get pregnant. My cycle has always been extremely regular and I noticed the past couple of months, the dates have been off. I've also had 3 miscarriages within the first 7 months of trying. My doctor says there is no link but I can't help but think there is. Any insight is appreciated! Thanks!