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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/28/2011 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have mentioned to my doctor previously that I thought there was a correlation to my menstrual cycle and my Crohn's disease. As usual, he passed it off as a complication from IBS, which they have never actually stated I have since my Crohn's diagnosis in 2010. However, I came across this little tid bit potentially proving me right AGAIN. Enjoy =)

http://www.everydayhealth.com/crohns-disease/crohns-and-menstrual-cycle.aspx?xid=aol_eh-dig_21-_20110627&aolcat=ESO&icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl6|sec3_lnk3|73548
Posted 6/28/2011 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Nikki,

Your doc is full of it.  Many of us female Crohnies suffer monthly because of our cycles.  I had to take birth control early on because I was always so miserable.

Ended up having a hysterectomy at 36 because I couldn't take it anymore.  Hugs!

Posted 6/28/2011 7:11 PM (GMT 0)

The CCFA had an interesting webcast this month ("IBD and She") focusing on important issues women with IBD face. One of the doctors specifically mentioned that there is a common correlation between bowel patterns and the menstrual cycle, and found that birth control pills can be helpful.  The CCFA also now has a webpage devoted to resources for women (http://www.ccfa.org/printview?pageUrl=/living/women_ibd), including a symptoms tracker to compare your symptoms with your cycle.

Posted 6/29/2011 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
I had the same problem with my first GI. A year after being diagnosed with Crohn's and having problems every month, my GYN put me on birth control to just suppress my periods all together. And surprise I started feeling a lot better!!

Sarah
Posted 6/29/2011 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
First of all, get a new doctor who knows things about cycles and CD; I would suggest going to an OBGYN. Then depending on how your hormones are, she can prescribe you BC based on that which helps so much with pain of cramps and flares. Like mentioned in a previous post, you can either get the BC that suppresses it all together or you can get (like i do) the every 3 month kind. Each helps immensely because for some reason Chronie women will flare up during their cycle. This way, less or no cycles = feeling a whole lot better because less flares each month :) Good luck!
Posted 6/29/2011 10:25 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry but the GI isn't a female with CD or IBS. I have always had flares around my period. It can be one day or it can be for a week. If it's interferring with your daily functions, definitely go to the GYN and see about BC.
Posted 6/29/2011 11:39 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think I could survive without being on the pill! The hormones still make it worse but the pain really was unbearable before; at least now I can survive. I'd really recommend it. If you don't want to go on birth control you can still get a 'mini pill' to control your hormones without giving the contraceptive protection.
Posted 6/29/2011 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
It most certainly messes with your monthly cycle. And visa versa. I have an anual fistula that drains more and hurts more the week I have my period and even my Colon and Rectal Surgeon says they affect each other. He says all the hormones in your body are ragging and the fluids are near the surface (I think he means we are bloated) and they affect each other. Sorry for the troubles but I agree with everyone else and going on the pill should help.
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