LymeNet Flash: Can menopause cause a Lyme flare?

LymeNet on Facebook

LymeNet on Twitter

Follow @LymeDiseaseNet

The Lyme Disease Network receives a commission from Amazon.com for each purchase originating from this site.

When purchasing from Amazon.com, please
click here first.

Thank you.

Dedicated to the Bachmann Family

LymeNet needs your help:
LymeNet 2020 fund drive

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations.

»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Can menopause cause a Lyme flare?

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: Can menopause cause a Lyme flare?

Jlynne
Junior Member
Member # 51955

posted

I have been dealing with Lyme and co’s for many years, although for the most part I am quite healthy (after treatment ten years ago).

Every once in a while I have what I think is a flare, and it usually passes quickly (days, a week). However, this time it’s like full blown Lyme- didn’t go away like it usually does and had to revisit my LLMD and start abx again.

But the odd thing is, around the same time that I started feeling so horrible, I stopped getting my period. I’m 48 so it’s not like I’m too young for menopause.

It’s been several months of feeling crappy, but recently it got significantly worse and I felt just as bad as I did when I was severely ill years back.

I’m just wondering if hormone changes (as in menopause) can trigger a Lyme flare. I know the symptoms of menopause and Lyme can be very similar, but this really feels like much more of an infection (Lyme).

Could this flare have happened because of the hormone changes? Thanks for any input! Jlynne

(breaking up the post for easier reading for many here)

[ 07-10-2020, 03:26 AM: Message edited by: Robin123 ]

Posts: 9 | From New York | Registered: Jul 2019 | IP: Logged |

Garz
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 52095

posted

many Women seem to have flares in symptoms around their menses - either the week before or the week after.

Dr H writes about this - he sometimes treats these women with antibiotics only at these times when the symptoms flare.

so I would have thought the hormone level fluctuations that occur around menopause could by extension exacerbate symptoms.

**edited name of LLMD. per LN rules**

[ 07-14-2020, 02:26 PM: Message edited by: Lymetoo ]

Posts: 245 | From UK | Registered: Feb 2020 | IP: Logged |

daisys
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 11802

posted

I wish I could give you a definitive answer. I also have had LD and co's for many years, and was going through a lot, when my doctor told me I probably went through menopause without realizing it.

The hormones can really fluctuate during that time, and having Lyme will definitely complicate the situation.

In a way, it doesn't matter which caused what. If Lyme is regenerating, you did right to go back to treatment.

Posts: 552 | From New Mexico, USA | Registered: May 2007 | IP: Logged |

Printer-friendly view of this topic

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:

The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey
907 Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, NJ 08534 USA
http://www.lymenet.org/