Pancreatitis Support Group

Chronic pancreatitis can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Patients with chronic pancreatitis can present with persistent abdominal pain or steatorrhea, as well as severe nausea. Some patients with chronic pancreatitis often look very sick, while others don't appear to be...

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deleted_user 03/07/2011

So about a day or two before my period my stomach feels way worse. Then it hits and I am hungry. I ate non stop yesterday, albeit it was low fat food but it was a lot of it. How fast I eat and how much I eat (portion) can affect my stomach so I was surprised when I didn't have any adverse affects. Also my stomach feels pretty good today. Slightly bloated but otherwise good. Good enough to make me think I could have an off-limit food. (Trust me, I won't)

Does anyone experience these fluctuations with their pancreatitis around their period? I know the hormones fluctuate and I know that PMS and cravings are legitimate happenings so I'm curious about this slight improvement in function.

Thanks ladies for your input. (And I totally understand if this topic is uncomfortable for some ladies to discuss. It's not my intent to offend anyone. I'm just trying to collect info.)

Karen

Paula1960 03/07/2011

When I was younger I experienced anywhere from 10 to 12 episodes of PC a year. I was never sure, but it seemd to coincide with my period. The stress involved with the hormone changes could have brought it on... but what would be the odds if I were having say an episode a month, that it would happen during or around my period. Also, over the years, I learned that so many other things trigger an episode for me, so I can't confidently say it's true.

deleted_user 03/09/2011

Hi. I was just reading a thread on another GI site, and 5 or 6 women commented on their pancreatitis flaring around their periods. Seems like you are not the only one.

deleted_user 03/09/2011

Don't know if it is related but when I got off of estrogen replacement, my stomach problems improved alot. Could just be coincidence but who knows? Way less frequency on the attacks.

deleted_user 03/12/2011

Hey Rosie. i have noticed that right before i ovulate and get my period my pain is way worse. i also want to eat everything that won't eat me. It is so hard not to give in to those cravings. Thank goodness for sherbert and low fat frozen yogurt. they are my new best friends along with G2 purple gatorade. yummy. My GP not my GI told me to ask my ob/gyn about endometriosis when I go the 24th because of the pain being worse around those times. It is possible to have endometrial tissue that has migrated to other parts of your abd. I will be sure to run it by him and let you know what they say. Hope this note finds you feeling well.
Heather

deleted_user 03/12/2011

HI there!
I have endometriosis and I have chronic pancreatitis. I notice that during ovulation and during period times, I have flare ups. My ob/gyn stated that this was probably related to hormonal fluctuations and so she prescribed a birth control pill that I take non-stop and this appears to have helped me. I have less difficulty now during those times, however, I still question whether not having periods is safe or not. My ob/gyn said that it is very safe not to have periods. I am 38 years old and have had idiopathic chronic pancreatitis for 10 years. I also have a recently placed spinal cord stimulator that allowed for me to return to work.
Good luck with things and I hope that this was even the slightest bit helpful.
Take good care everyone! - Truly, Elise

bellmarc 03/13/2011

I'm so happy to see this post. I thought I was the only one that has attacks during my period. Actually having one now. Trying not to go to the hospital but this time is more severe. I feel very sick. What to do, what to do, this chronic pancreatitis is getting old. Sorry just saying!

deleted_user 03/14/2011

My pancreatitis flares up when I have my period. It is terrible! You're one of the lucky one's, I guess! Be thankful!

deleted_user 03/16/2011

Thanks everyone for your replies. This is such a great support group.

deleted_user 03/23/2011

Im 23 yrs old and have had chronic pancreatitis for two years. My amylase and lipase always spike about 2 days before my period and its aweful everytime. I go to er at least once a month for pain med and fluid.

deleted_user 01/24/2013

I was just diagnosed at age 48 with pancreas divisim, which causes flare ups occasionally. I have noticed they are usually a couple days before my period, which is why I just found this site. I wanted to know if this was common. Looks like it is! I'm going to try fasting on the days before my period, and maybe that will help? I couldn't sleep the other night due to the pain. So far, I haven't had to go to the ER, but I'm afraid that day may come sooner or later.

bldrmtngrl 01/24/2013

I used to have monthly flares, like clockwork, a majority of my hospital admissions were the first day or 2 of my period. Hormones or food cravings? Lipase 30,000 +

Whats changed now- I have an IUD and it has made a huge difference, I don't get my period anymore, and don't have the crazy hormone fluctuations I used to have. I also don't need Iron infusions anymore which were needed about every 3 months because I had such heavy periods and don't absorb iron very well since the Whipple. Yes, there are risks to an IUD, but managing the CP is the most important right now.

deleted_user 01/24/2013

Before my hysterectomy my CP would flar up at period times too.

As if we dont suffer enough with the cramps and bleeding to death then we also get to go through CP pain and explosive diarrhea too :(

Ya know how CP causes us to not be able to absorb in enough of the nutrients we need? I wonder if perhaps you might be anemic or lacking in some other mineral? A lack of minerals will cause our periods to be worse.

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