Hello girls,
Just wondered if any of you experience a worsening of your symptoms at the time of your period?
I don’t mean worse than normal PMT and stuff, I mean the MS symptoms even if you are not DX?
I think I have identified a pattern of this in myself, particularly very severe dizzyness and pins and needles at the time of the month. I’d be interested to know if anyone else has this?
Thanks
Bunny
Hi BtC,
Yes, it’s very common. One theory is that it’s due to the rise in body temperature about that time of the month. Many people find their symptoms worsen with any rise in body temperature - e.g. from hot weather, exercise, or a fever. But it’s only one theory. Given that approximately three times as many women as men have MS AND pregnancy mostly tends to calm it down, there may be a hormonal dimension to MS, that has nothing to do with body temperature.
For years, I just accepted I had terrible periods, without ever questioning whether I might be ill. I’d assumed the monthly weakness and aches and pains were just normal women’s stuff. I suppose they are, up to a point, but it was a bit extreme. I never thought my cycle could be aggravating un underlying condition. I’m now sure it was. I say “was”, because things have been a lot better since being diagnosed, and opting to go on the pill. As soon as I made the connection - like you - with symptoms flaring up each time, I asked my doc for oral contraceptives. It was a bit restricted which ones I was allowed to have, as I’m mid 40s, so she would only really consider the mini-pill. It took me a couple of goes to find one that suits. Since then, I still get periods, and they do have some of the same effects, but not really as bad, because they’re not a proper period. I have to have my blood pressure checked regularly, and am terrified I’ll be told to stop, because I really think they’ve improved quality of life - even if it’s only for a few days a month.
Tina
x
Hi Tina,
Thanks that’s really helpful.
My periods have never been particulary bad or problematical and i’m now in peri menopause which means they are erratic, but i have difinately noticed since my symptoms started i tend to get very weak and dizzy and the pins and needles become almost unbearable.
In fact i have had to have today off work as i could barely function this morning. Getting better as the day goes on but have definately been much worse than normal.
I’m considereing HRT but as I haven’t got a full DX yet i’m reluctant to start taking any unecessary meds which might confuse things.
my illness is apparently definately neurological but they are not sure exactly what yet, but Iguess the same principal of heat and hormones affecting symptoms could be the case for a number of neuro illnesses.
Thanks again
I agree, time of the month excerbates the symptoms and painful very heavy irregular periods are common place. I have had hormone blood tests and they assure me I am not menopausal. I have a gyno appointment tomo for this very problem. i’ll let you know what consultant says
I am having a really bad few days symptoms have got much worse and I am on my period and feeling hot all the time, in fact just put the summer duvet on the bed today to try and see if that helps to improve symptoms, feeling v miserable at the moment
Hi Billie hope you cooling down! My steroids have increased and they give me hot flushes too, I have the windows open and it is blowing a gale outside and raining. But i need the air.
I don’t have flushes I just seem to be warmer all the time, like my thermostat is dodgy lol. I was always a person who felt cold so it’s v odd. We are using the 4.5 tog duvet and I am still warm. My arms are still feeling bad, if my legs were like this I wouldn’t be able to walk if that makes sense
It does make sense. The flushes are the redness the steroids give to my face and it feels hot but mainly I feel a bodily heat like a real warmth inside. Whilst if you feel my hands and feet they are freezing.