LymeNet Flash: irregular periods and Lyme

This is topic irregular periods and Lyme in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by bethanie70 (Member # 5439) on :

Hi Women!
I know there have been a lot of posts on the subject. It's really a confusing issue for me. I had regular periods from age 9-22. Then they got very irregular 8 or 9/yr. I was dx with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) even though I didn't have a "classic" case. (As it turns out I never have a classic case of anything!!)It was almost impossible for me to get pregnant the times I did- using the classic fertility meds for PCOS.

I didn't get sick at all until I was 28. I am now 34. My periods definately make me herx!! My question is: Could it have affected me so long before??? I have heard of people being sick much longer than they knew? My dr mentioned it the 1st time we met, but not since.
Take care,
Beth

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

Female Issues

And herxing isnt from periods but the death of spirochetes sending dead material into your system (toxic material) only a few bacteria cause this as far as they know BB is one syphilis is another.

But your period can definatly make a herx worse

Herxing
What Is a Herxheimer Reaction?
What Is Herxing?
The Herxheimer Reaction

Herxheimer Reaction Explained

[This message has been edited by treepatrol (edited 02 March 2005).]

Posted by bethanie70 (Member # 5439) on :

Hi Treepatrol,
Thanks for the response and the links. I have read many of the other posts on the subject and followed those links at that time. Perhaps I wasn't clear. My question was is it possible that I was infected with Lyme and it caused only the irregular periods back in 1993, when I didn't get sick in general (or ANY other symptoms)until 2000? Especially since I have a dx of PCOS to explain 1993. From what I've read, other posts and links don't cover that.
Thanks again,
Beth

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

quote:
Originally posted by bethanie70:
Hi Treepatrol,
Thanks for the response and the links. I have read many of the other posts on the subject and followed those links at that time. Perhaps I wasn't clear. My question was is it possible that I was infected with Lyme and it caused only the irregular periods back in 1993, when I didn't get sick in general (or ANY other symptoms)until 2000? Especially since I have a dx of PCOS to explain 1993. From what I've read, other posts and links don't cover that.
Thanks again,
Beth

Yes

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

I would say yes too. I believe I've had Lyme since I was around 8 yrs old. My periods never were regular once they began.

Years later my periods became very painful [age 19] and much later they discovered I had endometriosis. Finally at age 39, I had a complete hysterectomy due to the fibroid tumors and extensive endometrosis.

I lived fairly normally, but began having alot of pain and fatigue when I was around 30 yrs old. Was dxd with Fibromyalgia.

I became disabled at age 43 and it wasn't discovered until I was 49 that I had Lyme. So yes, it can be dormant for many years and can cause a multitude of problems. [I didn't even tell you everything it has caused for me.]

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by bethanie70 (Member # 5439) on :

Thanks Treepatrol and Lymetoo for your responses.
Take care,
Beth

Posted by Nal (Member # 6801) on :

Im in the same boat you are in! Every month when my period comes, I have the worst symptoms-its just awful! Mind you I am not fully diagnosed yet (probable lymes till my testing is done). My arms and hands will cramp really bad and I will get a whole host of other symptoms as well. My dr thinks its possible that I may have contracted lymes from a severe tick bite I had when I was only 5. I was always somewhat "sick" as a child but they always attributed that to colds,flu, epstein barr, etc.

I wish you all the best and hope you find some pain free days again! I was 27 when I first started getting bad symptoms and I am now 33. Feel free to email me anytime if you'd like.

Nancy

Posted by HudsonValleyGal (Member # 5108) on :

I find it easier to deal with the menstrual-related flare-ups if my cycle is kept regular using birth control. The severity of the flare-up seems to be reduced, plus I know for sure what is going on.

I use a contraceptive called Nuvaring (see www.nuvaring.com). It releases lower doses of hormones that you'd get if you took traditional, older contraceptives (though it is just as effective as them for contraceptive purposes). The low dose and steady release can lessen side effects. Plus, with this birth control you only have to remember to use it every few weeks, as opposed to taking a pill daily.

I find it so much easier to deal with the cyclical Lyme flare-ups now, because I know when to expect them and the symptoms aren't as severe as they used to be.

I have heard that some women with Lyme benefit from hormonal contraception whereas others find that they feel worse on it, so it must depend on the individual. What's right for one may not be good for another!

HudsonValleyGal

Posted by Lymied (Member # 6704) on :

I have heard a couple theories about why around our periods are symptoms flair - I have heard it said that it is because our immune system is lower during the week before and during our period because of changing hormones.

Then there is just the hormone issue. I am covinced lyme screws up hormone levels and affects the thyroid. My thyroid has been testing fine even for free T3 and T4 but I know my hormones are all over the place.