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Worse symptoms on your period?

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Posted 8/15/2018 9:22 AM (GMT -5)
Confused and panicking... I just had a very rough few days (happened to align with my period) and today is much better now that my period has just ended.

I've obviously gone through many cycles since I've been dealing with my symptoms for 8 months and I'm not sure that this always happens on my period, but perhaps sometimes my symptoms are escalated while I'm menstruating.

Since about a day before my period the red inflammation and burning on my buttocks and thighs has been out of control. I've hardly been able to sit and work. My pubic area has been so tender and irritated. I tried to wear skinny jeans to a doctor's appointment yesterday and it felt awful. Then yesterday evening an overwhelming itching all over my body came over me.

Today I woke up and the symptoms have subsided substantially. What on earth is going on? Was that a herx? I'm not even being treated yet though. If you're familiar with my story then you know my fear that this is really herpes (wouldn't that make sense as the symptoms escalated with the hormone fluctuations brought on by my period? I've read a lot of people's herpes symptoms get worse on their period). But I've done so many blood tests and swabs and it's always negative. I just can't shake the fear but I don't know what else to blame it on.

My dermatologist has me using Reactin as of a few days ago which has done nothing (not surprised, I've used all kinds of antihistamines before). What's interesting is my intense nose itching didn't go away on the Reactin-- proving it's not a symptom of allergies. Perhaps parasites as a co-infection of lyme?

I'm desperate and scared. The anxiety from not knowing what's happening and my fear that this is herpes and not lyme had me bring out my puke bucket this morning as I was so nauseated from the stress.

Can anyone relate? Could this be lyme or a coinfection that's messing with me?
Posted 8/15/2018 10:12 PM (GMT -5)
Rising and dropping hormones can affect our symptoms.

I think when periods start, the estrogen and progesterone are at low levels?

I can't help you as my periods stopped when my symptoms hit...now 5 years later...I'm accepting that I'm officially in menopause.....
Posted 8/15/2018 10:23 PM (GMT -5)
Menstruation causes increased inflammation on your already overly inflamed system. I honestly think it's just from that. If you are not taking Curcumin and Omega 3's I'd highly recommend adding those to your protocol. Make sure to avoid all gluten, dairy, and refined sugars especially around that time of the month. Those items all cause increased inflammation.
Posted 8/16/2018 8:44 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the responses.

jrpsf-- you mentioned inflammation in my system. I had asked this on a separate thread, but curious about your opinion too. My CRP test came back normal. Shouldn't this be elevated because my body is inflamed? Seems like a lot of lyme patients have said they had normal CRP though.
Posted 8/16/2018 4:44 PM (GMT -5)
The inflammation that occurs with chronic Lyme & coinfections and from CIRS or mold exposure often does not show on traditional tests for inflammation like sed rate, C Reactive protein, ANA. Those are commonly used when autoimmune is suspected.

We have other lab signs of inflammation that most doctors would not test for or even know about. You can learn about those tests here: /www.survivingmold.com/diagnosis/lab-tests. In most places, where you see mold, you can substitute Lyme. Lyme has the same or similar effects in most cases.
Posted 8/16/2018 5:42 PM (GMT -5)

ExhaustedGirl1 said...
Thanks for the responses.

jrpsf-- you mentioned inflammation in my system. I had asked this on a separate thread, but curious about your opinion too. My CRP test came back normal. Shouldn't this be elevated because my body is inflamed? Seems like a lot of lyme patients have said they had normal CRP though.

I can only tell you from my own experience. I had my ovaries removed about ten years ago but when I first got bit I was still cycling. I didn't know at the time it was lyme but I did realize after a few months that what ever was going on was made that much worse once a month for a few days. Violently that much worse so I'm sure there is a correlation with the inflammation. You can purchase Curcumin (a form of Tumeric) which is excellent for inflammation prior to seeing an LLMD. I take Meriva 500 2 capsules twice a day. I also take a high quality Omega 3 twice a day for inflammation. Taking things that help with inflammation and avoiding foods that cause it will reduce your pain.
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