I had similar issues, but it was a long time ago. I never used birth control pills (I don't know anything about Mirena- sorry) because my pancreas specialist said the hormones could cause pancreatitis.. he insisted that I never take the pill. which just says to me that I wasn't crazy thinking that my pancreatitis reacted more frequently with my menstrual cycle regardless of what my ob gyn thought.

Thank you for your reply. Of what I have researched the pancreas does have a lot to do with hormones. I have decided that due to the mirena distributing a synthetic progesterone hormone that I am not going to get it fitted. It's such a fine line in keeping the balance of the digestive system to keep a pancreatis attack at bay.

please read the new topic I added under discussions :)

I also have had similar issues, I was put on bc pill about 7 years ago for painful periods that would not stop for months at a time. It caused the worst attack of pancreatitis I ever had, hospitalized for near 3 months and feed tube for 5. After that I said no way to any hormones! About 4 years ago the painful periods were back and I also noticed every time I had an pancreas attack I started a period. Eventually I tried depo provera (which is only progesterone) didn't help. Tired the Mirena and it fell out twice, once again only the progesterone. Now I am on depo lupron, which kind of sends your body into a false menopause, it suppresses your hormones. It's been helping a lot with both my pancreatitis and my periods. I take a progesterone add back with it, which helps with hot flashes and such. It does have its drawbacks and isn't recommend for long term use (more than a year) I am followed closely by an endocrinologist and pelvic pain specialist. It may be an option for you. I hope this was helpful.

Thank you for your reply. It is very frustrating and I don't know which way to go. My period is due tomorrow and already my stomach is bloated right up to my breasts and I have a pressure pain in left side back under rib cage feels like it is pushing out. I know it is my pancreas again. Definetely is hormone related. I have thought about lupron but worried about bone loss as I have oesteoarititis. Hopefully I will go thru menopause sooner rather then later

I tried posting a message earlier...and it was a long one, but then I got an error message. I will try to see if this goes thru and then try to re-type my previous message

I am brand new to this site so please bare with me while I try to post this again...I had originally typed a long response and when I clicked 'Add' I got an error message.

I just wanted to chime in and say that you are not alone!!! I too have had this same issue, and I am glad to see that I am not alone. I am sorry that there are other people such as yourselves that have to deal with this nasty illness, but glad I am not going crazy. I tried telling my current Gastro doctor about this and he just looked at me and dismissed my claim as if I was crazy.

A little backstory...I was 15yrs old when I was diagnosed with what has now developed into Chronic Pancreatitis. I too was put on birth control pills, as my doctor thought it would help regulate my periods. I would have bleeding for 2wks at a time and the pain was intense. After taking the pill for a week or so, I began feeling sick...I knew something wasn't right. I was told to continue with the meds, as it was just my body trying to adjust.

One night I began to get this horrendous pain that I had never experienced in my life. I was writhing in pain and had to be carried to the car and taken to the ER. After a bunch of tests, they said that I had Pancreatitis. Well at that time, nobody in my family knew what it was and the doctors did not do much to explain it either. It was their belief though, that my birth control pills were the culprit.

Years later, after the birth of my first daughter and some other medical issues, my OB suggested that I go back to the pill. I had to explain why I could not and therefore I ultimately ended up with the Mirena. While I had little to no period with the Mirena, I would still on occasion have issues with flare up around the time of my menstrual cycle. I am not saying this to discourage you, because what may not have worked for me may work for you...and I am all for people finding any relief they can.

I just get so frustrated because I have noticed this problem, having flare ups before, during or after my periods. It is so hard to try to tell the Dr and they say 'well I haven't seen any studies done on that, that would connect the two.' I think I may just show him this thread on my next visit.

I just got done with my period today, and had an attack the day it started. It has happened on numerous occasions, too many to be a fluke.

Keep us updated, as I am interested in hearing your results. I have since had my tubes tied and do not require the use of birth control, but if it would help my flare ups, I'd be game for anything.

Take care

Thank you for your reply. I am not on the pill but believe it is caused by my own hormones. I really think I have had pancreatis a long time.
It is frustrating as doctors treat you like your mad if you suggest such things. I believe we know our bodies, and doctors need to take us seriously. Well I had blood test on Monday to check all my lft levels again and lipase. Doctors have been ringing today wanting me to come in yet again about my blood results. Shouldn't of got it done week of period.

Thanks for posting this. I too experience pancreatic flare ups on the first day of my period. Then it hangs out during the cycle. I can't remember if I mentioned it to my doctor, but i doubt he would think its related.

Just wanted to give you some follow up. My wife and I believed it was estrogen and progesterone causing her pancreatitis. She's been suffering for 5 years. Had gallbladder removed, Ducts opened and stents place. recommendation for pancreasectomy. But we decided to try a hysterectomy first. Well, that was 6 months ago. She used to be admitted every 2 months. She hasn't been admitted since. They tried to use estrogen patches for symptoms. but it flared up her pancreatitis. So, they gave her an Anti-depressant which is now used for menopausal effects. She has been getting small bouts of pancreatitis but NOTHING like what she used to. We really feel once the menopausal effects wear. She will be in even a better place. I can't say this will help everyone but life is getting back to normal for us.