Flare during menstruations

[Newlinz]

I have major flares when I'm on my period. Bad enough to make me want to do nothing but curl up in a ball and cry. As if severe cramps aren't bad enough, i have all the bladder pain to go with it. Does anyone else struggle with this? And if so, do you have suggestions on lessening the pain?

[bessie10]

Re: Flare during menstruations

I have major flares when I'm on my period. Bad enough to make me want to do nothing but curl up in a ball and cry. As if severe cramps aren't bad enough, i have all the bladder pain to go with it. Does anyone else struggle with this? And if so, do you have suggestions on lessening the pain?

Yes I do too, got much worse since I went off BCP at 49. Im 53 now and no signs of menopause. I start getting spasms etc three days or so before this is probably when the pain is at the worst. Basically Im in pain for at least a week.
Im not considered peri menopausal so not considering hormones and honestly dont think I would tolerate as Im super medication sensitive like terribly so Im just trying to manage with pain meds.
Sorry cant help more hopefully someone else can but just wanted to know you def not alone and from what I have read peroids at any age can cause flares.

[Newlinz]

Re: Flare during menstruations

Thank you! It actually makes me feel better to know I'm not alone. I just got diagnosed a few months ago, and while my loved ones are supportive and do whatever they can to help me diet wise, it's still difficult to explain to them. And quite honestly it's embarrassing. I usually end up feeling like I'm just being a cry baby. I love that I found this site. I've been reading thru a lot of posts because it's such a relief to know others know what I'm talking about and going thru.

[Skillswife]

Re: Flare during menstruations

I know this is old but thought I would throw this out there. Do you have endo too? I had horrible flares before my period, and come to find out I had endometriosis. Once the endo was excised a lot of the IC flares stopped. And 70% of women with endo have IC.

[Pillowfight]

I've heard fibroids on your uterus can be a factor, too.

[Loneedshelp]

I struggle with the same issue. Half the time I just want to curl up in the dark and fall asleep but lo and behold that's not possible when you constantly feel like you have to urinate and are on your period with cramps and bladder spasms. I use a heating pad constantly. I have one at home, work, and my family's vacation home. I'm sick of people asking me what it is for so I just say I have poor circulation and am cold because they're not going to understand IC. Even those closest to me have a very hard time understanding it. I am currently taking Norco under the direction of a pain management doctor while we figure out if nerve blocks/ablations may be helpful for me pending MRI results. I also have IBS which makes things even worse because if I have a bowel flare up, my bladder flares IMMEDIATELY.

You are not alone!

[ICNDonna]

I have seen many reports of symptoms fluctuating with hormone changes --- some report relief during menstruation, others have increased pain. You might want to talk with your doctor to see if there's something you can take to help.

Warm hugs,
Donna