UC post pregnancy, hormonal link?

I have been dx'd with UC since 2007. My second flare happened while pregnant with our first child during my second trimester. The flare lasted for approximately 5 years (on meds the entire time). I went into remission for 1 year (med free) and during that year we became pregnant with our second child. Everyone I know with UC that are mothers said for me to get prepared for a flare after pregnancy. Sure enough, 2 months after having our daughter, I went into a flare. All of my UC friends and my doctors said that because of the hormonal changes happening after pregnancy that more than likely a flare would start. I have done tons of research about UC, tests, treatments and diets...I visit my doctor regularly...why isn't there testing of hormones for females pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy? Is there a link with UC and change in hormones? I find this to be interesting. Also, every time I'm in a flare or pregnant, my thyroid does crazy stuff (not enough to need medication). I have read studies on links between autoimmune and thyroid issues. It just always seems that people with UC/autoimmune suffer no matter the treatment or diet....flares always end up happening. Is there any one out there who has had their hormone levels checked and correlated it to their UC flare?

It's not true for UC but for autoimmune diseases in general more women then men get them and there have been hormonal and pregnancy related links. I know when you're pregnant and while nursing many women and doctors are afraid of taking meds, non-pregnancy related supplements, etc. but I think if I had been in your shoes I would have tried something to retain remission and tried cutting UC off at the pass before it happened. Maybe it would have worked. Maybe not. You may want to give it some thought if you ever go down this same road again. Generally when you achieve remission you need to continually do something forever to retain that remission and not just go medless because you are in remission.

quincy,

Since being dx'd in 2007, I have been on asacol and other mesalamine drugs, colozal, prednisone, cortizone enemas, rowasa, and 6MP. While I was in remission, I was not on any meds because I see a dr. who tries to treat UC as natural as possible, including diet, but will add a prescription regimen if needed (also because I wanted to get pregnant, it was in agreement I would discontinue meds unless otherwise symptoms returned, mostly my desire). I am currently taking Apriso and enemas. Neither of which are helping....going to the dr. 7/8/13 to change up my meds hopefully...it is time for me to have another colonoscopy, I'm sure of it, and I will probably get that scheduled. I cannot take prednisone anymore and am thankful not to because of osteoporosis. I have done several diets to help with the UC, vegan and SCD...that went out the door when I became pregnant and craved bacon and donuts (together). :) I am 32 years of age.

My thinking on this topic of hormones is that if a person is to be tested and find they are lacking or deficient in a hormone, couldn't one add this to their daily routine of meds whether it be a natural mineral/herb/vitamin or a prescription....I just find it to be strange that if doctors say that UC can flare due to hormonal changes, my thinking is what hormone am I deficient in or over-efficient. I just wonder if it would help some people....I know I'm interested in researching this topic more.

Hi there-

I have been lurking on this forum for a while now and I am so glad you posted this topic. This is my first post and I had to say something about this. I haven't done a lot of research, but I definitely feel like there could be a link between hormones and UC. I started having symptoms during my 3rd pregnancy back in 2010 and had a colonoscopy. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Proctitis and took Lialda and enemas during the pregnancy. Things improved after I gave birth and I had a few mild flares since then, but nothing too major.

Then, back in November, I had an IUD put in, which releases hormones. Since then, I have been in a flare. I have been taking Lialda, done a couple of rounds of hydrocortisone enemas, and can't quite get it under control. My doctor wants to start me on Prednisone, but I am really hesitant after hearing everybody's stories in this forum. I am starting to think about having the IUD removed to see what happens. I definitely wish there was more research about the possible link.

I too am curious if removing the IUD will help considering you noticed the symptoms right after having it placed. You never know, it may not help but it may. I am on 6mp and it's helped me a ton but I don't think it's for mild symptoms. If you can get things under control with Lialda and Enemas, I would definitely go that route. a short course of prednisone isn't the end of the world. The problem with prednisone is that a short course can quickly turn into a long course and tapering off can be difficult. You have to plan ahead and know at what point you've been on it too long and be open to whatever is required to get you off of it. I was so unwilling to start 6mp that I waited longer than I should have. I regret taking pred for as long as I did. I ended up on 6mp regardless - waiting didn't provide any benefit.

Welcome to HW Strike. I hope you are feeling better soon.

I agree that hormonal changes make flares happen and/or make them worse. But that doesn't mean that taking hormones will resolve your UC. In fact, taking hormones, especially reproductive hormones, raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer and uterine cancer.

What you can do, and what many women do, is use birth control pills to regulate your cycle and minimize hormonal changes.

The way I look at it, our hormonal cycles change a lot of things in our bodies, not just our reproductive organs. The smell of your sweat changes. Your appetite changes. Your sleep cycle changes. Why can't your gut chemistry change too?

adventureuc-

because i have had 2 remissions since dx'd, it is easy to forget how you felt while in a flare and also easy to think that UC will not return, even if you are taking very good care of yourself. I too have felt the very same way as you. it wasn't until my second flare (during my 1st pregnancy, which lasted 5 years) that i did TONS of research...why? because i was tired of feeling like CRAP, literally...and I was very scared of the long term usage of all the drugs we have to take. i am not against conventional drug therapy, but i'd rather try a more natural/holistic approach if possible, first. flares can get so bad that it can be very detrimental to your health. always remember to be an advocate for yourself! sounds like you are already on the pathway to changing your lifestyle/life & health options....you can persevere through it, and although lifestyle/dietary changes will not give you immediate results like prescipt drugs can, you will feel better about yourself all just because you are trying to take care of your body in a way that maybe you weren't so focused on before the UC. i hope you feel better soon!

Freckles and Adventureuc-

It sounds like we have similar stories: we had our first symptoms during pregnancy and we are trying to find a more natural approach to healing ourselves than the hardcore meds that are out there.

Adventureuc- have you found that gluten free has helped with your symptoms? I am curious about trying it, but I don't know where to begin. My diet is not great and I know I need to do something, but change is hard and I love Dr. Pepper :). Also, what is Uceris? A Steroid? Mesalamine?

FYI-- Fruitgirl & *Jen* are longer-time members of the forum who have posted about pregnancy, flares, & hormones-- in case you want to look up their past comments. They both take maintenance meds. / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

I would definitely worry about my children if I had any. i would worry constantly. I was explaining this to a friend of mine the other day, a very understanding friend, and she said as long as it strikes when they aren't "children" it's not as big of a deal. I feel very differently, I was in my late 20s when this illness hit and I feel like, at any age, it's a huge problem. At least when you're a child, you have the support of your parents and no responsibility. Not to say it's ever easy. It doesn't matter what age it strikes, it causes serious complications to your life. Just because you're 20 or 30 or 40, doesn't mean you're in a place where you can be inconsistent in your work. I, personally, am expected to be at work each day at a certain time and being unable to conform to this schedule would make me unhireable. As much as this may seem unimportant, I can't survive without income. I don't want to be dependent on anyone. I just want to be independent and live my life. Having this strike at 20 or 30 is terrible, people think "at least you got your childhood" and that's true to some extent but it's doesn't help you to hold a job when you're an adult. I hate to hear of children developing this disease but things don't get easier as you get older, you just get more responsibility. it's awful at any age.