Can menopause cause major flare?

[Cookiegirl]

I have had IC for many years. Won't go into that long story here. For
about 8 years I had a remission/semi-remission. I had some flares but
was actually able to function in the "real" world. I had a hydrodistillation and
was on HRT during this time. In 2005 I slowly started weaning off HRT because of the warnings. I didn't have a problem with hotflashes,etc.
However last summer after ending all HRT, I went into a sudden, major,
IC flare. The worst I can remember. And, I'm still in agony. My gyn says
it is just coincidence that my IC flared back up then. He is not afraid to
put me back on hormones. But he thinks I would be setting myself up for
disappointment as far as IC relief. If I thought it would help I would go back on HRT. As my husband says, I could "possibly" live longer without HRT but
what is my quality of life now. Zip! I'm barely functioning. Has menopause
caused problems for anyone else? I am on Sanctura,cymbalta, nexium,prelief,
aloe vera right now.

[Moonheart]

My IC became unbearable when I went into surgical menopause.

[judyblue]

I have read many accounts here of those who experienced huge flares or major relief after a hormonal shift. However, research hasn't proven anything, so the doctors will not readily acknowledge the association. For myself, my IC symptoms came at the same time I was experiencing changes in a number of hormones throughout my endocrine system. At the time of diagnosis, I was going back and forth from my urologist to my endocrinologist.

If you do go back on the HRT, you will have to let us know how it goes for your IC symptoms. Either way, I hope you get your flare under control very soon!

[armslee]

I ditto Moonheart's reply. But my IC became really unbearable leading up to my hyster just from stress. AFter the surgery everything was wigged out. My doctor said that the surgery caused most of it as they have to move the bladder internally for the procedure.

However several weeks post op I began going into menopause (still have my ovaries) we are not sure of the exact cause other than "it can happen".

I am now on my second type of HRT- Estrogel and am getting some relief from my IC by increasing my pain meds and watching my diet more closely. Depending on what your age is, is how long you can safely stay on HRT. I am 33 so my doctor said that I can use them for a long time.

Best of luck!

[runningshoe]

HI,
I am in a major flare for the first time in 12 years. Guess what? My gyno called and said I am totally in menopause. Estrogen is down to 10. I am 42 and had a hyster 2 years ago but kept ovaries. Well I guess they aren't working. Dr said estrogen affects inflammation and she thinks I will feel better with a hormone patch. I kinda feel like this is good news because it is maybe the organic cause to why my ic came back after soooooo many years. I need to learn more!

[dancemomof2]

When I went threw surgical menopause my bladder tried to move to another zip code but couldn't leave. It attacked me like there was no tomarrow

[SLP53ICIB]

Wondering about hormone connection too

I never had any IC symptoms (am 53) until a pelvic exam right when my periods became inconsistent. I'm convinced that it has something to do with the whole scenario for some of us. My Mom took HRT for 30 yrs. with no problem. I've been trying to handle menopause with Black Cohosh and Vagi Fem but on my last visit I was given a low dose patch (estrogen and prog.) I haven't had nerve enough to take it but I am researching it. I am presently in a major flare and not sure why-could be fatigue, could be effect from driving a couple hrs. to see family, --this stuff is so hard to figure out. Hope you get some relief.

Susan

[runningshoe]

My patch is estrogen only because I don't need progesterone because I don't have my uterus any more. I have heard others say the prog can irritate bladder. I am starting on a low dose so dr can monitor my reaction and blood level. What a pain this all is!!! Hang in there!

[sarich99]

I was in remission too for 15 years until January of this year.....right around the time my period problems started. I am hoping if doesn't get worse....I am depressed enough now after having a flare after all this time. My Uro thinks I will feel better after surgery. Some on HysterSisters website said they had symptoms of IC before surgery and after dissipated. All depends on individual.

[Franny]

My Ic started the same time I went into menopause if that tells you anything.