IC & Menopause

[VickiB]

I turned 51 this year. I'm close to my sister who is 6 years older than I, and she has taken me along on her 'menopause journey'. (Thank God! As our Mother didn't share these things with us!) Anyway, I know my sister went through menopause at age 51, and I seem to be following the same path as she. Increased frequency of periods along with unusally heavy bleeding, etc.

However, my sister doesn't have IC. As much as I'm looking forward to no more periods, it scares me that this 'change' may cause an increase in my IC symptoms. I'd love to hear from others what their experience was with menopause in regard to their IC!

Thanks,
Vicki

[CindyLu]

Hi Vicki. I am new to the forum so I am replying to you a bit late. I had my ovaries removed 8 months ago due to severe endometriosis and complex ovarian cysts that I kept coming back after several surgeries. I also had endometriosis removed from my bladder. So...I am menopausal in a big way and I have found that my IC is pretty much the same for now. The hot flashes are BRUTAL and various other symptoms that come with an immediate and sudden menopause are no fun either, but the bladder is it's usual, familiar miserable self. I can sort of isolate the bladder pain a bit more since I don't have the added pain of the ovaries and endometriosis. I can't take hormone replacement due to my history of endometriosis, and my mom had breast cancer so I grit my teeth and go on. I was drinking soya milk by the bucket load, and tofu because it helps with hot flashes. That was before my diagnosis and the IC diet. Turns out it is one of he worst things I could have done for my bladder. Live and learn.

[VickiB]

Hi CindyLu,

Talk about replying late! Summer is my busy season work-wise. I've only been able to make a few quick visits to this site daily and I didn't notice your post 'til today,....about 5 weeks later! (I'm ashamed!)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I would imagine not taking hormone replacement with having sudden menopause is quite a shock to your body! Seems like that could set off one heck of a flare!

I am keeping my fingers crossed that my symptoms don't increase with 'the change', and hearing that it hasn't for you has helped. So far I haven't had hot flashes, though I definitely notice I'm warmer over-all than what is normal if that makes any sense? Actually, with our winters up this way I'm thinking that's a bonus!

Vicki

[Tinkerbell23]

i am only 25, but i was put into menopause for 6 months w/ injections to stop the growth of endometriosis. the 6 months i was in menopause my ic seemed to calm down a bit, i am hoping this will be the case...just a thought...