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Dear all,
I know that there is a hormone connection to IC in that it fluctuates with the menstrual cycle. However, I am curious as to what the hormone connection is at menopause. I've read that many people feel better when they stop their cycles. If this is the case, why do IC symptoms generally worsen round peri/menopause? It would seem logical that if the cycles diminish, then so too will the symptoms (although I know that the bladder likes oestrogen) - how does the menopause relate to other symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, fibro.,etc.. If these are all part of IC, why do they also worsen (this is often reported) during peri/menopause? Sorry for asking lots of questions lately. I am trying to work this 'condition' (or should that be 'monster') out (well, as much as I can at this time).
I wish I knew
I only know that I am 45, in perimenopause and was give bio-identical hormone therapy daily. Dr. Brizman's plan, I believe (I meet with her next week) is to wean me off my bio-hormones and balance me with herbs, etc... I wish I had never gone down the hormone replacement path, even tho my Dr. had me on bio-identicals. They did help me sleep better and be less irritable and higher libido before my IC started. But now it seems they have wreaked havoc (I also have a gut that doesn't move well on its own and adult acne -probably food intolerances and asymptomatic endometriosis) so who knows!!
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
Mimij67, thanks for this.
I just wonder why IC gets worse at menopause, or seems to for many people. If the cycles stop, or reduce, and the hormonal fluctuations reduce, then it would make sense for the IC symptoms to settle down too. However, the opposite seems to happen to a lot of people. Why is menopause one of IC 'flaring' times? I think I'm just wistfully hoping for IC to disappear at the onset o peri/menopause! Wishful thinking????