Connection between Crohn's disease and menstrual disruption: An exploration of irregular periods
Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, can have a significant impact on women's menstrual cycles. According to recent studies, nearly 6 in 10 people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) experience abdominal pain, and nearly 3 in 10 have diarrhea during their periods [1][5].
One of the key influences of Crohn's disease on the menstrual cycle is the increase in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms during menstruation. Women with Crohn's disease often report more diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other GI discomfort around their period compared to healthy individuals [1][5].
Hormonal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate inflammation and Crohn’s symptoms. Estrogen can promote inflammation, while progesterone influences gut motility and inflammation, potentially causing symptom variability across the menstrual cycle [3][5].
Managing the effects of Crohn's disease on periods requires a balanced approach. This includes careful selection of hormonal contraceptives, symptom tracking, managing stress, treating inflammation, and addressing GI symptoms directly [2][3][5]. Discussing options with a healthcare provider is essential, as estrogen-containing birth control can exacerbate inflammation and worsen Crohn’s symptoms [3][4].
Monitoring symptom patterns in relation to the menstrual cycle can help identify flare triggers and optimize treatment timing. Stress reduction might help regulate periods and Crohn's symptoms, as chronic stress affects hormone levels and can disrupt menstrual cycles [2].
Optimal Crohn’s disease control using medications and lifestyle interventions can reduce symptom severity during menstruation. Antidiarrheals, pain relievers, or dietary adjustments around menstruation may mitigate period-associated GI effects [5].
It's important to note that Crohn's disease can also lead to gynecological complications, such as pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, fibroids, salpingitis, oophoritis, and adhesions. These complications may potentially cause infertility or complications in conception [4].
Despite these challenges, managing Crohn's disease with appropriate medications and lifestyle changes should help ease the menstrual cycle back into a typical rhythm. Many people find their menstrual cycles become more regular after managing Crohn's disease for a few years [6].
Sources:
[1] Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Menstruation and IBD. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2018-07/menstruation-and-ibd-booklet.pdf
[2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Stress and IBD. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ibd/life-with-ibd/stress-and-ibd
[3] National Women's Health Network. (n.d.). Birth Control and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. https://www.nwhn.org/birth-control-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease/
[4] American College of Gastroenterology. (2019). ACG Clinical Guideline: Fertility and Pregnancy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6762768/
[5] University of California, San Francisco. (n.d.). IBD and Menstruation. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/ibd-and-menstruation
[6] Mayo Clinic. (2019). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Managing your disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/in-depth/ibd/art-20044616
- In addition to the significant impact on women's menstrual cycles, Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, can also lead to gynecological complications such as pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, fibroids, salpingitis, oophoritis, and adhesions, which may potentially cause infertility or complications in conception.
- Hormonal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate inflammation and Crohn’s symptoms, making the management of these medical conditions particularly challenging for women.
- Monitoring symptom patterns in relation to the menstrual cycle can help identify flare triggers and optimize treatment timing for women living with Crohn's disease.
- Managing the effects of Crohn's disease on periods requires a balanced approach that includes careful selection of hormonal contraceptives, symptom tracking, managing stress, treating inflammation, and addressing GI symptoms directly.
- Optimal Crohn’s disease control using medications and lifestyle interventions can help reduce symptom severity during menstruation and, in some cases, enable menstrual cycles to become more regular after managing Crohn's disease for a few years.
