Question for the ladies

I've had UC for 21 years. 15 years in I developed excruciating menstrual cramps. Like drop to your knees searing pain. I went to the GYN and he did a laparoscopy look-see. He didn't find anything wrong with me...no endo or anything. So I ended up having an endometrial ablation. I haven't had a period now in 6 years - talk about heaven!

Are you on birth control? I never noticed any changes in mine.

My periods have always been semi-problematic, but in recent years (since the UC diagnosis) they have been even worse. There are no gynecological issues, but two times in the past I have had a flare just after my period ended. I think all the hormone changes and normal tummy troubles that come with my cycle just got my UC agitated. I now take birth control pills continuously to avoid getting a period. My gyno says there is not a medical need for me to be having a period at this point. If I forget a pill or two I typically have a little break through bleeding, but it's been a really good solution for me. I've been on the pill for several years because of issues with my cycle. I used to take pills for three months straight and then stop it 4 times a year for 4 periods, but I don't even bother doing that anymore. I know birth control comes with it's own risks and problems but I am on a fairly low dose one and it does wonders for me.

Weight loss associated with major UC flares + steroid use can affect the menstrual cycle. It seemed that I developed intramural uterine fibroids after a course of Prednisone needed to subdue a severe flare in middle age. I didn't experience pelvic cramping or other monthly changes, but my very experienced female gyno found them right away during the next annual check-up & ordered an ultrasound scan which confirmed they were sizable. So, while I had no pain etc. but tests confirmed gyno organ change, and you experience pain though gyno organs test normal, we both likely got endocrine system changes from steroids RXed to treat UC. Your male GI needs more continuing medical education! (CME) / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

I've always had problems with my periods - bad cramping, irregular cycles. When I was first diagnosed and was in my worst flare, my periods stopped completely. I gather when you lose enough body weight - especially fat storage - your periods stop because your body perceives itself to be too sick to reproduce/sustain pregnancy. When my periods resumed, I took that as a sign I was on the road to recovery.

Periods and hormonal fluctuations do affect UC and the general abdominal inflammation of UC can affect periods. Bioidentical hormones might help you smooth out the rough edges. You probably already know Tylenol is the safest OTC pain reliever you can take. Heat can help, too.