Last summer I got my first flare and ended up in the hospital. I also lost a lot of weight and since then have not gained it all back yet because I've been in the hospital multiple times this year. Because of this, since May of 2011 I have not had my period and I finally went to the Gyno. who prescribed me to take progesterone. However, I'm wondering if its alright to take this with my other medications and also if taking hormones could cause another flare. (right now i'm on 30 mg prednisone and 200 mg plaquenil 2xday) I asked my Gyno. and she argued that its more important to get my period otherwise I could get cervical cancer. But I'm still afraid that it could cause a flare. Has anyone else had the problem of not getting their period or had to take progesterone?
Progesterone shouldn't interact with the Prednisone or the Plaquenil. I haven't seen any drug interactions between any of them, but you can always ask your pharmacist to be sure. I'm on birth control right now and I've taken Prednisone while on it and I'm now on plaquenil with it and I've been ok.
As for flares, I would think it all depends on the individual. I don't get flares during periods, but other people do. It's totally individual, but it's usually because of the estrogen spike during ovulation and all that fun female stuff. When progesterone is up, estrogen is down. You'd be having a steady high level of progesterone by taking the pill so you wouldn't even be exposed to that spike of estrogen women get during a regular, no medicine/pill cycle. Does that make sense?
I do agree with your gyno that it is important for you to get a period at least every now and then so keep things healthy down there, especially the endometrium (uterine lining).
Praying for no more hospitalizations and healthy girl parts!
Hello, sorry that you're dealing with that but if you are not comfortable with taking the meds talk with you're rehmy or call the pharmacy & ask maybe that could help ease your mind.
http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
This link above will tell you if medications are interacting with one another
Please watch the Prednisone.
I am taking medicinal herb to help with period. Usually I feel better during ovulation.
try to get off pred pills (if you can) as soon as possible. Even just injection which is not even near as harmful as pills, last in your system a good 6 months before your body elimnates the excess.
I would listen to your OB-gyn as it is not okay not to have periods plus being on pred pills is just really bad recipe to have your bones get so thin soon be like someone 3 times your age if you are not cautious.
I have your rheum and OB-gyn discuss possible reason which if you were not overweight to begin with, so you are at very low weight for your size and build...well could easily be just that but i hope they run hormone test on you in case you might be low.
good luck
Just always remember that just because it is herb or 'natural' you must tell your doctors what you are using...bring in some info off reliable site like dr weil about herbs and what they are safe with and side effects etc.
They can still interfere and cause negative reactions with any other herbs or meds you are taking.
vnaren said:
I am taking medicinal herb to help with period. Usually I feel better during ovulation.
I was taking birth control for the past 4 years in order to level out my estrogen. I stopped taking it at the end of December because I don't want to deal with the possible issues it can cause. Stopping it caused a lupus flare that lasted about 2 months. I had to see my rheumy and take prednisone for a week in order to stop the flare. Hormones can effect lupus and fibromyalgia, but like everything else, it just depends on the person.
My gyno took me off estrogen because he said it was dangerous. People with lupus have a higher risk of stroke and estrogen increases that risk as well. I'm not sure how much (if any) estrogen is in progestrone...I was on the estrogen as hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy.
Anyway, just a caution...good luck!
My periods have been irregular all my life. My lupus kicked up in 2011, and I was diagnosed with Lupus June 1 2012. I haven't had a period since April 2012, and I believe I went through my change. It wasn't as traumatic as it was for my mother, and only a few night sweats which were very mild. I didn't even know I was going thru my change to tell you the truth. My sister is 6 years older and its much worse for her.
Progesterone and Estrogen are two completely different medications. For post-menopausal women, these two hormones are mixed together in creams at ratios determined by your bloodwork. The evidence of either one affecting Lupus has not been proven but is suspected in some people. Every patient is different and trial and error is all we have to work it out.
Thank you everyone for the advice! its nice to have people to discuss this with!