Crohn's & Menstrual Cycle

  First, I would like to thank you for your response to my question on 7/3/98 regarding anal reconstruction surgery.  After my husband read your response, we discussed it at length & I'm pretty sure that an ileostomy would be in my best interest.  I saw my GI on 7/24 but forgot to ask him about something.  Can Crohn's effect your menstrual cycle?  I'm 42 yrs. old, definitely not pregnant, have been regular (every 28 days) since my first period at the age of 11, never have cramps, had my tubes tied after the birth of my 3rd daughter 12/91.  I have not had a period since May.  4 days ago I started have scant amout of blood tinged mucous but that stopped today.  I don't believe it's the beginning of menopause because I don't have any of the other signs of menopause.  If all this is due to the Crohn's, do I just "wait & see"?  I should mention that because of the bowel incontinence, I have not had a pap smear since the birth of my 3rd daughter in 12/91.  I am very reluctant to submit to a pelvic exam because of the "strained position" you have to be in.
  Thank you.
Dear Jackie,
Thank you for your recent letter. Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods), delayed sexual maturation and growth failure are common presentations of Crohn's disease in the pediatric population but are not considered extraintestinal manifestations of adult Crohn's disease. I would urge you to seek evaluation by a gynecologist to determine the cause of your absent menstrual periods since May. Good luck to you.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568 our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: Crohn's disease, amenorrhea