I have heard that RA goes into remission when you are pregnant. I didn't get RA until after my child bearing years but I was on hormones because I went into early menopause. With that said the hormones did not keep me from developing RA, although the one you mentioned depo prevera may be a different kind? It would make sense to me that hormones have some correlation to RA, because I have also heard that more women than men get RA. It should be interesting to see what responses you get to this thread. Good topic and worth looking into.

I have also heard that pregnancy can cause remission-I am also a firm believer than hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause can trigger the first signs of RA. I did not develop RA until I had my son-it seemed to happen almost immediately after he was born-so I went to a Rheumy and it was confirmed. I know other women who developed it after the birth of a child..I believe there is some hormonal connection be it good or bad. I think the Depo shot is worth a try?? (I got my tubes tied after one so I don't have to worry about this...) Good Luck Sarah

I've heard from most people and also my doctor that pregnancy generally sends people into remission. I'm about to start depo provera for my birth control method seeing as i am getting married and now need a method other than abstinence. lol. How about I let you all know how it affects the RA. I've had raised progesterone levels over the past few months, unexplainable, but my RA has also been much better. I still hurt, but i can get out of bed every day and even exercise a few times a week. serious improvement. Does anybody know what Orencia does, because that is what I take. this is an interesting thought/topic, thanks for spiking the interest. I'll let ya know what happens with the depo provera

I wouldn't recommend this, but I knew a woman who did go into remission whenever she was pregnant so she basically stayed pregnant. She quit after having ten children. I actually developed it in my third month of pregnancy with my first and only child when I was 21 years old. So while there may be some connection to hormones, it would probably be difficult to find a clear connection, or atleast one that speaks to such a wide variety of experiences. I've never heard about the use of Depo Prevera but based on the woman who was in remission while pregnant it makes sense that it might work. I think if you did enough research and felt comfortable with trying it, a three month trial sounds reasonable. At least it would be an opportunity to find out if it works for you and if the side effects, if any, would be tolerable. It's really the only way to find out if it would work for you because what works for one won't work for another and vice versa. Good Luck and I hope you find comfort soon.

Interesting thread. My doc told me that *most* people go into remission while pregnant, but I haven't been able to find a lot of information on why. Since my husband and I are trying I am interested to see how I will feel--right now I'm only taking Prednisone and it's pretty rough sometimes. I would think it would be good to at least give the depo a try since you have found situations in where it caused remission. Let us know what you decide and how it works for you--GL!

Hey Guys! I developed RA about 1 yr after giving birth to my 2nd son. When I became preg with son #3 (yeah - glutton for punishment) I went into remission. It was great except for the preg part LOL! I had problems regulating my hormones after he was born. I was bleeding erratically and very often and I just felt off, but I didnt have alot of joint pain. Then when the bleeding regulated and so did the hormones the pain came back with a vengeance.
I FIRMLY believe it has a hormonal link.
Good Luck Everyone!!

ok, I am a newbie here, and have been reading through past posts. I have definitely noticed more joint pain during my period. Can actually predict when I am about to start just by the increasing pain. I believe it is caused by fluctuating hormone levels. Anyone else experience this???

Yes, I've experienced more pain nearing and during my period. I still never decided on taking depo. After reading more on Depo, it does cause bone loss and does sometimes keep you from getting pregnant for a long time. Since I am 31, I'm a bit worried to take something that may make my ovaries "sleep" for too long, if not permanently even thought that would be very rare. But I am still curious and often still think about it as an option. If anyone finds more information on the hormonal link or has suggestions or comments, please feel free! Take care, all of you!