Hormones

I’ve had no period since February. Which is when my flare started. Could this be related? I literally feel like I’m in menopause since being on prednisone.

Yes, flaring always throws off my cycles especially if you add prednisone to the mix. Last time I was on prednisone I went 5 months without a period. Once I tapered off they came back but were a little bit irregular for a couple of months. All normal.

I call Prednisone the Devil's Tic Tocs. Evil stuff. I was on it (80 mg daily) along with Remicade and methotrexate. We finally got me off of it--but it destroyed my knees and my thumbs. I don't know which is worse...the inability to ambulate with out pain, or not being able to hold a glass/cup, open a door... or.... wait for it....Pull down my pants to go to the bathroom...

I would avoid Prednisone if at all possible.

Clo

Old Hat said...
Weight loss during a flare can cause menstrual irregularity or even temporary cessation, if it's a large amount turning you extra thin. RE Prednisone: I had to take it for 3 months due to a severe UC flare. My gastroenterologist started it at 40 mg daily & had me taper down after 8 days then eventually I got off it at 2.5 mg dosage. Because overcoming the flare and transitioning back to mesalamine med was my major concern, I skipped a couple annual gyn check-ups. Then on my return to gyn's exam she found uterine fibroids for the 1st time. Of course that made me suspect Prednisone as the cause. So I agree with other forum members who post here about the importance of getting off steroids and on to a different UC med as quickly as possible. Straydog and Momto2boys can definitely help to steer you in a better direction with their advice. / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)

I believe I was heading for menopause but I have no doubt the prednisone has affected my hormones. I literally sleep in wet clothing from the night sweats. My hair is falling out, the insomnia has settled but some nights (depending on what day of my cycle I’m on) it’s still hard to sleep. My moods have settled since tapering to 15mg. I just hope it gets easier because it’s been hell. I don’t recognise myself physically or emotionally. I’ve gained weight, lost muscle. I’ve got moon face. This is my 6 week. Down from 100mg IV in hospital. Two weeks to go. I don’t know what other choice I had. My inflammation had spread to my joints but I can’t find anything that relates this to IBD. It started in my elbow, then my knee then my foot, went into the other foot before I literally couldn’t walk on my feet from the pain. If anyone has had this or knows this to be a symptom please let me know. My Dr said his goal is to never have me on steroids again. I just pray and pray.

It sounds like you had incompetent UC treatment if the docs put you on 100 mg IV steroid drip. When my gastroenterologist put me on 40 mg daily of oral Prednisone, (and this doctor subspecializes in IBD treatment), doc informed me that 60 mg daily was the maximum permissable oral steroid dose! So-- you got 100 mg steroid going directly into your bloodstream!!!!! No wonder you're having so many side effects like moonface & hair loss. Those are not caused by menopause! *** Night sweats can be caused by menopausal hormone fluctuations, but they are relatively easy to overcome. (As long as you have good nutrition!) Keep a supply of cool water near your bed to sip as needed. Also keep a soft, absorbent towel near your bed and use it to quickly wipe yourself dry-- or even change into a different nightshirt or gown that you keep nearby, besides. Then you can lie down again relatively soon, and hopefully fall back to sleep. Menopause itself is a normal process for the female body. But you have nutrition affected by UC flaring-- so you may need vitamin/mineral supplementation in addition to Rx medication for UC!!!! Steroids are known to cause excess calcium release from the body, which can lead to bone and dental problems. Your docs should test bloods for any nutritional deficiencies you may currently have, such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, potassium. magnesium, etc.-- because normalizing their levels in your body will help your hormones to stabilize, in addition to relieving your UC flare. *** Right now this forum doesn't have as many mothers or female members posting about menopause symptoms as it has had in the past, but still there are some of us here who can advise you based on our experiences. Poopydoop has major knowledge of biological sciences and contributes excellent, updated info to help us deal with UC meds + vaccine issues. You have mentioned in earlier posts that the Wagga hospital really doesn't help you consistently-- so that may be a large part of your main health problem. Most of us can relate to your situation because we've also had trouble with doctors, hospitals, meds, and/or health insurance ourselves over time. Unfortunately, this is more common in life now! / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)