Yes, many women with spondylitis do report experiencing flares around the time of their menstrual cycle. A MySpondylitisTeam member even asked the community, "How many of you have flare-ups due to your menstrual cycle?" — showing it's a common concern. The connection likely comes down to hormones. When estrogen levels drop Show Full Answer
Yes, many women with spondylitis do report experiencing flares around the time of their menstrual cycle. A MySpondylitisTeam member even asked the community, "How many of you have flare-ups due to your menstrual cycle?" — showing it's a common concern. The connection likely comes down to hormones. When estrogen levels drop before and during a period, the body can become more sensitive to pain and inflammation. Estrogen is thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect, so when it dips, spondylitis symptoms may flare up more easily.
Symptoms that may worsen around your cycle include:
- Lower back and sacroiliac joint pain
- Enthesitis (pain where tendons and ligaments meet bone)
- Eye inflammation (uveitis or iritis)
- Muscle spasms
- Neck pain It's worth keeping a symptom diary to track when your flares happen in relation to your cycle. Note your symptoms, when your period starts, and any other possible triggers. Sharing this with your rheumatologist can help them tailor your treatment plan more effectively.
August 6
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