methotrexate and irregular periods | Arthritis Information

 

I've found a few threads that say mtx causes irregular periods- even menopause.  I have been taking it for almost 3 months and my periods are way off.  First a long light one and then 17 days later spotting for 3 weeks right into a little heavier flow.  I went to the gynocologist who said although perimenopause is likely, spotting for 3 weeks isn't normal. (I'm 44)

 I had mtx on my list of medications but didn't think to tell her that I only had been taking it for 11 weeks, because I didn't know about this possible side effect. 

My question is has anyone had a similar situation with mtx? (weeks of spotting) The Gyno decided rather than wait and see, she will do a biopsy of uterus next week.  I have been having more anxiety lately and am looking for some reassurance!

Thanks, Jodi

 

 

Hi Jodi, I am having the similar problems and I'm sure I'm going into pre-
menopause from the MTX. I'm only 41! I had a long discussion with a woman
from another board who worked for a pharmaceutical comany for years. She
said in her opinion the biggest problem with MTX is it's effects on woman's
reproductive issues. This was not even MENTIONED to me, in person or on
any of the accompanying handouts, when I started on MTX (not sure if it
would have made any difference on my decision to take it, though). My GP
has been confused about why my periods are so wonky, even though I'm on
The Pill, and when I told her about the MTX connection she seemed a little
upset. I have an appointment with a gynocologist next week and I will also
discuss this with my RD next month.

Hi Gimpy, Like you, no one mentioned this side effect.  I'm not ready for menopause.  I see that my skin looks more wrinkled and less elastic on my arms and legs.  If it was like that before mtx, I didn't notice.  Accelerated aging I do not need!  On the other hand, the mtx seems to be helping the Remicade work.  What a choice!

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I have had a hysterectomy so I do not have this issue with mtx and my period.  However, I can tell you that when we thought we might have had to put Danielle on mtx (so far we haven’t had to thank goodness), our rheumy did tell us he wanted to avoid it if we could because it really does mess with a womans cycle. 

Wow...I wonder why this is not mentioned more. I've always wanted to adopt
so going into menopause is not a major deal for me, but for women who
want to bear children you would think that would be an improtant detail!

I was 32 when it all began for me. Very simular to the way you are right now Jody. I was all out of wack for about a year......then suddenly: NOTHING!

I'm now 36 and haven't had a period in about 3 years now. Early menopause is the dx'ed. My hormone levels say I'm in menopause for sure.

There is something called premature ovarian failure which basically is the same thing I think. I'm going to talk to my OB later this month to ask if that's what it is.

They aren't sure if the MTX caused it or the RA itself. Either could be likely.

No one ever warned me about this either and had I not already had the two children I wanted I would have been VERY upset!

I've now been on HRT for three years due to osteopenia and my age they say it's the best thing for me. I hope their right. It certainly has made me feel better. I was having menopause symptoms that were making life difficult. Night sweats, moodiness.....not sure what else; but they said it would help and I think it has. Not sure how long I'll stay on it.

Lovie39389.4902893519

I've also had problems with my period while being on mtx.  I'm 45 and have had spotting off and on...missed perods...a period for 3 weeks....etc. 

I had an ultrasound done to see what's going on.  Nothing was found so I  went to see my gynocologist.  She told me that she suspects my age has to do with what's going on, but she also said that the mtx could also be a factor in all this.  So right now I'm told to just wait and see what happens.

My mense went wonky on AP and eventually righted itself.  Now I'm pretty much regular at 28 days.  What if it's not the meds but the disease?  There are strong connections to us being estrogen resistant and the hormonal connection to AI diseases.

Pip

That's what I thought at first...there's so much going on between my RA and all my meds, supplements, and Jedi Mind Tricks, my body is just all confused. But I blame the mtx because that's the one I want to get off of! I had been on BC pills for over 10 years right before all mine started too. We thought maybe that was the cause at first....but then they pretty much ruled that out after testing my hormone levels. I had all my hormones tested about 6 weeks ago and it was all within normal range. I'm just not fretting about it until I have more info. One thing about having RA is you learn not to freak out about every little weird health thing.

I know that's right Gimp. RA has definately taught me that.

Menopause at my age hasn't been a bad thing at all. Frankly I've enjoyed not having a period and since I had my children early that's not a concern.

I do worry some about the HRT but my doctors (OB, Primary & RD) all agree that the benifits far out weigh the risk at my age. My main concern is that I'm only 36 now. I was 33 (I think) when I started HRT. How long can I safely take it? I know the longer I'm on it the worse the risk are.

Like everything else those; We'll just have to see how it all plays out. One day at a time. One year at a time I guess I'd say.

 

Lovie, have you looked into Bio-Identical hormones? If I have to do HRT that's what I plan to do, if possible.

If I remember correctly, HRT is fine if you start as soon as symptoms show up.  The heart problems started when women started HRT later.  Try a search on "age of starting HRT".  Or search here.  Didn't we just have a thread on that.

I'm planning on using HRT until I die.  I just don't know when you're supposed to start.

Pip

Well, I don't know what to do if the mtx is causing me to go into menopause.  I'm not ready to take hormones!  I know arava works for me but it made my liver enzymes go up.  I guess I should discuss all this with my Rd next week.  Thanks for your help.  At least I know I'm not the only one going through this!I see over 120 have viewed this post with only 6 answering, who have similar issues.  I wonder if that means the mtx/menopause thing is rare? 

Well, I certainly don't like talking about my mense on a public forum. 

But if Jodi is right - please weigh in!

Pip

 

 

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Fascinating topic.

My menstrual cycle has been all messed up but assumed it was pre-menopause.  I will be turning 50 in January.  I got my period in the fourth grade so I assumed I would have an early menopause.

It never occured to me that RA or MTX could be messing with my menstrual cycle.  This is a good discussion question for RD.

I've never had a problem with my cycle and mtx. 

Good info though!  I'll keep it in the back of my brain incase I need it!
I am on MTX and Enbrel for the last year and I have noticed that my periods...while still regular...are much heavier.  They alternate between light and heavy!  It was never like that before. 
Now for for the last few weeks I have had night sweats.  I wake up drenched.  And I am always cold.  I went to my regular doctor and he could not find anything wrong with me.  He said I should go to my OB/GYN to have my hormone levels tested.
I have also been so tired in the afternoon....I am starting to wonder if this could be menopause starting.  I am 36.
I am curious to know if this is a common thing.  What are the other signs of menopause...other than lack of a period?
Jen

that night sweat thing is a good one.....but being cold all the time isn't I don't think. They say hot flashes. I had a some of that before starting HRT. Actually I still have some of that at times.

Come to think of it....I'm cold a lot too! Then again that's been going on for years.

See your OB. A simple blood test can easily tell you for sure. Mine were crystal clear. In fact they didn't want to even talk about it until they tested my hormone levels and there was no denying it.

well my Ob had suggested I have a hysterectomy in the near future...before I am 40.  My mother died at 50 of uterine cancer....very aggressive cancer.  I am done having kids....so I may as well...I just don't want to have to go off of the enbrel and MTX to have surgery.

that seems like a major step. Have you had problems that would lead them to believe you too will develop cancer?

As far as being off your meds I wouldn't be overly concerned about that. Depending on how aggressive your RA is it's like that it wouldn't be too bad. Both stay in your system for a while and unless you had to be off of it for an extended period of time it shouldn't be that bad.

I saw my rd today about the irregular periods.  He agreed it is most likely mtx but he said mtx usually causes longer heavier periods.  Mine are longer and light/spotting.  he said he'd like me to wait it out and see if the mtx helps the pain until my next infusion (Remicade).  If it does, he'll try lowering the dose (of mtx.)  If it doesn't then he wants to move on to orencia or rituxen.
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