Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Souris on March 02, 2020, 02:29:36 PM
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I went off birth-control pills in October because I was about to turn 50, and I seem to have indeed started menopause. It seemed like my body just decided to fall apart right afterward -- hot flashes, acne, anxiety, trouble sleeping, widespread pain and stiffness, all sorts of fun stuff, which I've posted about in other threads. I had a flare of my ulcerative colitis in December, my first in years. It seemed to get better for awhile, but now I seem to be flaring again, so I'm wondering about the effect of menopause on this condition.
I've been trying to research, but it seems like there's been very little research into this. I found one study that said HRT could help with colitis, and another that said the exact opposite. ::) My gastroenterologist said some women have worse flares around their periods, but didn't know about menopause.
Is there anybody here with an inflammatory bowel disease? I'm wondering what other women's experiences have been with menopause and hormone-replacement therapy affecting their colitis. Did you find going through menopause changed or worsened your colitis? I'm considering hormone replacement -- did using it have any effect on your UC?
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Hi Souris,
This is my first time posting on any forum ever so not sure how everything works.
I see this is quite an old post but struggling to find others having issues like me. I found your post and it sounds very similar to what I have been experiencing.
I also went off the contraceptive pill due to Age. I stopped in April 2024 and my ulcerative colitis started to flare shortly after along with getting hot flashes and so on.
I was on Entyvio (8weekly) which was working very well for me for over 3 years until I started menopause. The next time i had the infusion after ceasing the pill it partially worked then the next infusion never worked at all.
We increase the frequency of Entyvio no luck.
I started HRT didn't seem to help with the UC but helped hot flashes but still have weak joints .
I have changed medications now but also with no joy.
I agree with you, I have tried to look on the Internet too and there's not a lot of research as it appears information states some women's UC symptoms apparently improve after menopause.
It's been about 9 months for me now of not being able to eat much healthy food because everything upsets me and makes me feel unwell and I have to try to keep going to work. Just feeling a bit like nothing is going to work.
Anyway I hope you are well, just wondering if you found anything that helped?❤️
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Was there a real reason to stop medication if it was working :-\
50 is a number, surely if symptoms are eased, continue ...........
Let us know how you get on.
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I have no personal experience but given that it flared up within a short time of stopping the pill that suggests you would do well to get on another form of estrogen replacement.
There are multiple non oral options if absorption from the gut is problematic.
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Hello Hope24
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in April 2010 at age fifty four and coincidentally I had my last natural period that same month.
I had experienced many gut issues over the years but it could be that my plummeting oestrogen levels tipped me into my first UC flare.
I was initially treated with several drugs including a steroid which was very effective. After a very mild recurrence three years later I was prescribed a low dose non steroidal anti inflammatory drug which I continue to take. At the same time I began eating plenty of anti inflammatory foods. Fortunately I have been sign and symptom free ever since 2013.
I sometimes wonder if my tiredness is actually associated with UC however my twice yearly blood tests are always good and my CRP number is very low. It seems more likely that my hormones are responsible for my fatigue and other issues such as emotional instability and vaginal dryness.
If you want to learn more about anti inflammatory foods I suggest you look at Dr Michael Greger's NutritionFacts.org site.
I am well aware of the problems that come with UC and hormonal changes and you have my sympathy.
Wishing you well and sending hugs.
K.
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Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for your message, I was diagnosed in 2013 and was put on Steroids and an anti-inflammatory Mezevant/mesalazine. Once i was weaned off steroids just 2.4gm mesalazine which worked for about six years. A couple of ups and downs but pretty good.
I'm glad to hear anti-inflammatory
has worked well for you and you have been symptom-free for such a long time, thats really great.
In 2020 I was changed to biologics after my UC had been a little unsettled in 2019 ending in a flare. As I wasn't on the pill in 2019 and was in peri menopause I'm wondering if the changing hormones was already affecting my UC with some reduction in Oestrogen.
I empathise with you on the tiredness and menopause definitely had made me worry more about things although the HRT has helped a bit with that.
I am waiting for a call about an iron infusion too so low iron will be making me tired but normally it's hard to tell isn't it which might be the cause or a combination of both UC and menopause.
Thank you for the website link, i bought a book on anti inflammation diet years ago but hadn't really got into it as was doing ok but will check it out again and the website you noted.
Anyway thanks again, it's helpful to know what other people experiencing with the UC and meno.
I really hope everything continues to go well for you Kathleen, Sending you positive thoughts.❤️
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Hi again, i'm sorry but i'm a newbie and I don't know how to reply to individual posts, there is only a reply button at the top and the bottom. Anyway I will just pop in a new post lol.
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Hi CLKD,
Yes unfortunately my Drs say around the age of 50 it's no longer recommended to take the contraceptive pill as there are more risks like blood clots, stroke and other health issues as we age so unfortunately the pill is not an option for me anymore.
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Hey Bombsh3ll,
Yes I thought HRT might be the answer I have tried a few different patches they help with the menopause issues but don't help UC.
Another doctor now has recommended a patch for oestrogen and progesterone capsules which are suppose to be closer to natural progesterone but as its taken by mouth not sure if it will further cause digestive issues so i'm thinking about that.
Apparently the contraceptive pill is a lot stronger and it controls your cycle and HRT is weaker and just adds some additional hormones so I'm thinking maybe HRT is not strong enough.
Anyway thank you for your comments maybe I just need the right combination, you never know. I will keep trying.
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The guidelines about stopping the pill at 50 only take into account contraceptive use. The FSRH state that when the combined pill is being used for a therapeutic indication, it should be an individual clinical decision to continue thereafter.
I plan to take it until about 55, however I pay for it privately.
If you can't or don't want to resume a combined pill but feel you would still benefit from menstrual suppression with add-back estrogen, you can essentially build your own combined pill with either slynd or desogestrel 150mcg taken daily as the progestin, plus your estrogen of choice eg patches gel or oral estradiol pills.
These two progestins are licensed to 55 as contraception and the BMS support their use off label as endometrial protection.
Unlike micronised progesterone they are potent enough to suppress endogenous ovarian function.
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Hey Bombsh3ll,
I had been researching the progesterone only pill as i had read you can take up to age 55, so thanks for that additional information its very helpful.
I will chat to my specialist and will just have to give it a try as HRT isn't working and its hard to tell what my immune system is doing due to menopause as its just not responding to the medications like it used to.
Thanks again