Periods and AxSpa
Hello everyone,
Question for my fellow AFAB people with AxSpa -- does your period aggravate your AxSpa pain?
I just got through my period and I have severely painful periods (due to possible Endo) and it definitely did not help my AxSpa pain. I'm not sure if it's because my uterus is around the same place horizontally as where my AxSpa is (the base of my spine) or something?
I'm not sure just figured I'd bring it up and see how y'all manage it?
Appreciate y'all <3
yes! My periods greatly exacerbate my AxSpA pain. It makes that lower back and SI joint pain so much worse. It also makes my fatigue worse. But I find that NSAIDs and heating pads help a lot more with period pain than AxSpA pain 
interesting that you asked. I have the most horrific pain during my period (I need to get checked for endometriosis), but in general the pain is so overwhelming and the fatigue is so terrible, that ankylosing spondylitis is sort of just a side helping of horror. Sometimes it’s OK. Sometimes it’s painful.
But periods for me have always just been a nightmare. Even before ankylosing spondylitis. I don’t think I particularly notice a flare during my periods though.
Hi
- what a great question you bring up. My monthlies were horrendous. The pain was at times unbearable. In my pelvis, the throbbing, dull, ache was untreatable, and all I could do was wait it out. Radiating pain happened as well in my neck, legs, and head where inflammatory pain just worsened. Sleeping (if I could) didn't help, exercise didn't manage the pain, and I suffered quite a bit. I used to feel absolutely terrible for a full week to 10 days every month with my menses.
We do have a written article pertaining to this topic on our site. https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living/menstruation
Also, Here is an article from Myspondylitisteam https://www.myspondylitisteam.com/resources/do-ankylosing-spondylitis-symptoms-flare-up-during-periods?utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw0zhcqGVGlotmdE5FLFnUuQTStgntnjjXd-RJYr5T_9UMrLR00_6PRoCAWAQAvD_BwE
And yet, here is another account from a source outside our community. https://kamyakiran.medium.com/living-with-ankylosing-spondylitis-as-a-menstruator-61f67804928e
I sure hope these help as I know the information is scarce on menses and spondyloarthritis. Best of holidays to you! Rebecca (comm advc)
