MS and monthly cycles??

[steph74]

Okay, this is a really odd question--I've never seen a reference to this type of sx anywhere, but I'm just curious if MS could cause changes in women's menstruation (not the cycle itself, but the actual period).  Not too have TMI, but let me try to explain.

In the last two months or so, I've started noticing I'm urinating much less frequently than usual.  (I've always been one of those people who would go every hour and get up once or twice at night.  Then suddenly it was only 6 times a day and I was holding much more.)  I've also noticed decreased sensation in some very important areas...  :(

At the same time, I had a very obvious change in my period.  Instead of 4-5 days of regular flow, the last two cycles were pretty much everything on the first day or 36 hours, then just spotting.  It was like the muscles that control the flow were off.  

In the grand scheme of things I know this isn't a big deal (but it did cause me to have two potentially embarrassing clothing incidents at work and having to rush out to buy new pants!) But I was just wondering if it could be related, since all these sx seem to be in the same general area.

I'm also trying to figure out whether to mention it to my neuro next week (I'm seeing her because of muscle spasticity in my jaw--bigger sx in my mind) or whether none of this is "bad enough" to warrant mentioning.  (Or if she'll think I'm crazy for bringing up a change in my period!)

Sorry if this was too much information.  :)

[sg40]

The change in your cycle could be your age. I don't know how old you are, but my gyn told me (when I asked about my changes - similar to yours several years ago) that it's very common to have that type of change 30 yrs old and above.
Good luck.

[Karen99]

Hi.  Absolutely tell your neuro about the change in urination frequency, decreased sensation and spasticity.  This is just the sort of information your neurologist needs.  It wouldn't hurt to tell him about the change of the menses.  He/she might not have a good response but you might be surprised at what a good neurologist knows after LISTENING to their MS patients.

If neurologists LISTEN to their patients much can be learned.  Even if they don't know the cause of a particular symptom they should be taking a mental note of it.  If they hear the same complaint often enough, they pay more attention to it.  Individual practitioners come to their own conclusions or even symptom relief if they put their mind to it and have enough confidence to share their observations/help with their patients.

Be well.

[AmishErin]

I hadn't even thought that there could be a connection but I too have experienced almost exactly the same.  I know that the bladder was MS but my cycle?? Probably one of those things that MS patients don't talk about alot

[Lulu54]

Like all other new or different symptoms, when in doubt please talk to your doctor.  I'm unsure about the hormonal links here with our, but there has to be some in my mind.  It seems to me that it is being researched by scientists as well, but I may be making that all up! :-)

To add to the stack of TMI, I finished menopause at the age of 45 - much younger than the other women in my family.  I believe that too has an MS connection.  Again, just my feelings and nothing to prove it.

I'm off to kegel with my PT person now - that area can be helped if you are interested and if the body is willing.

Later,
Lulu

[goofysmom1]

This is interesting!  Mine have changed over the last few months - they are lasting 7 to 10 days instead of the usual 5.  Weird.  Something to take note of.

Chrisy
undx'd

[opie74]

Mine has changed too. My keigal area is just not the same. Could be the cause....