Betsie
12-10-2005, 11:45 AM
(4) Powell-Boone T., et. al Menstrual cycle affects bladder pain sensation in subjects with interstitial cystitis. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1832-6. Researchers in Alabama have now confirmed a fact well known by most women with IC, that our symptoms will flare as a result our hormone levels. In a study of 7 IC patients and 8 controls, they determined that the patients with IC had higher pain scores and frequency than controls throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Pain scores and urinary frequency were highest in the perimenstrual period in subjects with IC. They conclude "To our knowledge it also demonstrates for the first time a menstrual cycle effect on bladder sensory function in subjects with IC." The use of hormonal modulation to treat IC is contemplated.
Sorry to quote the whole thing, but this is key for me. I have long noticed (after getting my IC under control) that this is still my biggest source of any type of symptom/flare if any...even as I am actively in the onset of menopause, I still seem to be experiencing the menstrual cycle pain and frequency increase.
I write this, because once I did figure this out, sometime ago, it truly helped me manage a treatment program. I am able to stay soley on my Elmiron and only request pain meds as needed.( hardly ever now) :woohoo: It requires a real journal of symptoms and understanding your mentsrual/ovulation cycles, but it helped me tremendously.
I am also one who suffered a great deal from DUB (dysfunctional uterine bleeding) until an endometrial ablation in 2002. I still have had the monthy "symptoms" but hopefully those too will wane with time.
I hope some of you might benefit from tuning into your cycle, it might help you understand your remissions when they do occur.
This will be interesting research to follow, thanks Jill for posting it.
Sorry to quote the whole thing, but this is key for me. I have long noticed (after getting my IC under control) that this is still my biggest source of any type of symptom/flare if any...even as I am actively in the onset of menopause, I still seem to be experiencing the menstrual cycle pain and frequency increase.
I write this, because once I did figure this out, sometime ago, it truly helped me manage a treatment program. I am able to stay soley on my Elmiron and only request pain meds as needed.( hardly ever now) :woohoo: It requires a real journal of symptoms and understanding your mentsrual/ovulation cycles, but it helped me tremendously.
I am also one who suffered a great deal from DUB (dysfunctional uterine bleeding) until an endometrial ablation in 2002. I still have had the monthy "symptoms" but hopefully those too will wane with time.
I hope some of you might benefit from tuning into your cycle, it might help you understand your remissions when they do occur.
This will be interesting research to follow, thanks Jill for posting it.