Questions on IC and menstrual cycle

[musiclover]

I recently started noticing flares around the time of my period. I didn't notice so much before because I was in a constant flare. Now that I'm on all these meds, my symptoms are a little more controlled. However, four days before my period and all throughout I have a really bad frequency flare. My questions are, how long after your period does it take for the symptoms to go back down again? If I remember correctly, last month it took quite a while.

Also, my GYN seemed to think that if I take birth control pills, even if they are not the continuous ones, that it would decrease my symptoms during menstruation. Is that anybody else's experience? He said that even with the pill where you have a period every month, it would still decrease the bad stuff that is causing the menstrual flares.

I feel like every time I start making progress, my period starts and I take two steps backwards.

[Julie B]

I am sorry you are having a hard time, but yes, that is very common. I don't know if it is the hormones, the pelvic irritation, or all of the above. I had to experiment before I found feminine products that worked for me.

It may not be pleasant, but it is a fairly normal thing with IC patients.

Hugs..........

[Calinda]

Yes, my doctor told me the same thing about birth control pills. I thought it was odd that when I told her how much pain I was in she kind of ignored it. I had to insist she address it. My periods had become so painful I could barely function.

A friend recommended I take Progesterone cream--some natural kind. It's helped a little bit--but I still have alot of pain. I've been on it about 3 months--so I think I'll give it a little more time to decide what to do.

I don't need to go on birth control pills--so I didn't want to unless I absolutely have to. However, if I can't get my pain manageable, it might be my last alternative.

I'm older 46 years old--so I know my time of suffering shouldn't be too many more horrible years.

I hope you can find something that helps you. Fellow pain sufferer--UGH.

[musiclover]

Calinda, I have a couple of questions. Is progesterone cream OTC? I just googled it and it looks like you can get some OTC versions, is that what you use? And what dose do you use and pardon me for being obtuse, but I have no idea where you would apply it! Just anywhere? I hope it would be safe, but maybe every once in a while it would be, is that how you feel?

Thanks for the info!

[Mrs. Peel]

Last time I saw my gyno, he told me hormonal fluctuations have nothing to do with IC.

He is SO fired!

[Elacey]

Last time I saw my gyno, he told me hormonal fluctuations have nothing to do with IC.

He is SO fired!


LOL! I have to say,I so laughed out loud at that.
I had the same question.I too get flares around my period.Thanks so much to everyone who answered!

[musiclover]

My flares are the worst four days before my period. Thanks to the knowledge of some people on this network, I discovered that is become progesterone increases during that time, so I wanted to be sure to get a pill low in progesterone. Also, during my period it's pretty bad, too, and I've read that is because of the prostaglandins and that sometimes birth control pills can help with that as well. I'm on day 3 of Alesse, which is low in hormones in general. It could be coincidence, but today I'm doing pretty great. I always do better after my period, so that could be why, but I'm doing even better than usual. But Cystoprotek and aloe have been helping me, too, so it could just be that I've been on those a little longer now than before my period. I'll keep you updated but so far I am really wondering if it is the Alesse that is making me feel so darn good today!

[Calinda]

Hi,
The cream I take is Organic Excellence from www.OrganicExcellence.com.
I just rub a little on the inside of my forearms. I guess it goes in through the skin.

Sounds like you are doing better. So maybe you have found out what works for you. I'm not sure if age has anything to do with the hormone thing or not. I'm in my late 40's. I was really nervous about trying it--so I started with a low dose and thought I'd do it for a few months to see.

I totally sympathize with your pain. I have the same thing. I'm happy when my pain is less it's a "hooraaah" time.

I hope you have found what works for you and that you can be pain free (or at least a reduced amount of pain).

PS sorry it took me a while to reply I wasn't on my computer for a couple of days.

[curlycue]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::pray: I know what the period pain is and it not fun. Good luck to you

[Skynard]

I am unable to take the birth control pills, so the doctor is tracking my pains around my cycle. They are discussing ovary removal, which is what my sister eventually ended up having. Thoughts?

Side effects of the creams? Any thoughts on the Estrace Cream? Pardon my next question, but are any of these creams placed internally? I am 42ish.

[LithEruiel]

Birth control pills helped me for awhile and now my periods are as bad as ever again...what the heck?? (I didn't just switch or anything) ????

[musiclover]

Can you use your birth control pills continuously so you rarely have a period? I'm only having one a couple of times a year now to avoid those horendous flares.

[LithEruiel]

Yeah, that's what I was doing, but I can't make it to three months anymore because waiting that long makes my IC flare, then when I get my period they're horrible and my IC flares again...

[caro78]

I take birth control pills continuously and stop it 7 days every 3-4 month

I have very bad flare, urgency and frenquency when I am in the 7 days of break.

So for me at this time it's impossible to stop the birth pill.

My uro said that I may have endo and IC.

[LithEruiel]

I feel like my hormones and fluid balance are way out of wack...I'm seeing the doctor on March 1st (soonest I could get) but until then, ick...

[NatalieF]

Hi everyone,

My main syptoms and urgency and frequency. Just before my period and during these symptoms seem to ease and i have have pain (mainly down my left side) Then when my period has finished the pain eases off and the frequency and urgency seems to come back.

I am currently on Elmiron (started it about a month ago) and Amatriptaline which i have been on for months to help me sleep. I also take Alkaline drops in my water a few times a day and follow a strict IC diet.

Can anyone suggest anything to help either the pain or the frequncy and urgency symptoms which seem to now control my life?!