Flare ups and monthly cycle: Hi, I was diagnosed... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

32,207 members28,549 posts

Flare ups and monthly cycle

MoominMomma profile image
8 Replies

Hi, I was diagnosed with lupus and scleroderma in 2011. I have good days and bad days but find that the days leading up to and whilst on my period, I get the symptoms of a flare up. The consultant says that this is normal and has suggested that I don't have a break in between each month but every two. This can seem to ease the symptoms but then it hits me.

Does anybody else have the same problems or is it just me? I feel like I'm moaning when I say how bad I feel during 'the time of the month' when other women have to go through it too.

Also, has anyone got any diet tips too. I seem to have put on so much weight too in the last 12 months. I'm managing to work but don't have enough time to exercise as I'm always too tired to do any. I try to eat normally but with digestive problems, I sometimes eat what I fancy rather than should.

Thanks

Written by
MoominMomma profile image
MoominMomma
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
8 Replies
Asarahjohnson profile image
Asarahjohnson

I have a diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue disorder (likely SLE). I also have flares prior to periods and the first few days of. So I understand how you feel. I guess your I the combined pill when you talk about have breaks every two months? If so don't have any breaks at all or at least run three packs together.

Wrt diet. I have managed to control all my symptoms with diet which has allowed me to reduce my meds to 200mg hydroxychloroquine only. By giving up gluten dairy and refined sugar. I have gone down to a size 8-10. Gluten is implicated in all autoimmune disease. Tho there is some evidence that it may also be the glycophosphates they put on the wheat prior to harvest that may be responsible. So I avoid de glutenised wheat too. And all the pms symptoms have improved too. Cutting out the sugar means I don't crave it when I'm feeling awful now.

MoominMomma profile image
MoominMomma in reply toAsarahjohnson

Thank you for your advice. I've got the rheumy on Thursday so I'll add it onto my list of suggestions.

I've thought about cutting out or down on gluten as I feel bloated a lot of the time too and taking laxatives everyday doesn't help with the problem. I look heavily pregnant some days. I need to look into this seriously. X

misty14 profile image
misty14

Hi Moominmomma

When I had flares before my period, my Rheumy Consultant recommended adjusting my steroids upwards for the days before and then when better to come down again and it helped a lot.

Hope that's helped. X

MoominMomma profile image
MoominMomma in reply tomisty14

Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like a great idea as I find that the steroids help. X

Paul_Howard profile image
Paul_HowardPartnerLUPUS UK

Hi MoominMomma,

We have a booklet about lupus and healthy eating which you may find helpful for your diet. You can download or view it at lupusuk.org.uk/diet-and-exe...

Please be aware that due to the very varied nature of lupus, diets that work for one person, may not work for another or could even be potentially harmful. Please always discuss radical changes in diet with your consultant before trying them.

MoominMomma profile image
MoominMomma in reply toPaul_Howard

Thank you for your reply. I will download it. X

Hormones seem to have a big affect on most conditions and I think that lupus is one of those. I have heard many people on this site saying about the correlation between there menstural cycle and flares. I am heading toward menopause and it definitely affects the amount and level of flares.

MoominMomma profile image
MoominMomma in reply to

Sorry to hear about your level of flare ups. The dr did warn me that they may carry on like this until the menopause. The things we have to look forward to! X

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Hydroxchloroquine and flare ups

Hi everyone, I've posted a few times here the last few weeks about this horrendous lupus flare I'm...
SarahLuna profile image

Flare ups, anxiety and depression

Deep down I know the answer to this but just after a bit of reassurance and to see how many of you...

Certain Foods and Flare-ups, Pain Settling in Certain Joints

Hi everyone, Do any of you find certain foods cause flare-ups or make symptoms worse in general?...

Lupus flare, thyroid problems, cfs?

Hello everyone, I wondered if anyone had any advice or similar experiences, or can just shed any...
SarahLuna profile image

My mum and her flare ups

Hi everyone. I posted a question on here not long ago and recieved some great feedback so I thought...

Moderation team

See all
Debbie_kinsey profile image
Debbie_kinseyAdministrator
chelseawong profile image
chelseawongAdministrator
michaellasmith profile image
michaellasmithAdministrator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.