Re: Hi everyone - and question from Jerri

[Guest guest]

Hey, Jerri, So glad to hear from you. We, the members who were on board more than a year ago,

did an impromtu survey of the membership about those Lupus patients who had experienced early

menopause due to surgery, complications of disease, or had experienced difficult menses and/or

pregnancies. Turns out almost 90% of the members at that time had something to say on the

subject, and almost all of us had experienced difficult menses, pregnancies, and early or surgically

induced menopause. Since some OBGYN conditions are autoimmune related, Endometriosis, for one

example, it stands to reason women would be symptomatic, doesn't it? I had a complete hysterectomy at the age of 35, after years of difficulties, surgeries, and pain and extreme bleeding.

I thought I was unusual until I joined this group. LOL Hope this info is helpful. Hugs, MM

[Guest guest]

Hi Jerri - The first diagnosis I had was MCTD. After several years the diagnosis of SLE along with Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthrites was finally made. I am 51 and wasn't diagnosed with SLE, Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthrites until moving to my current home in 1996. My husband and I were married in 1971 and luckily for us I got pregnant right away. It wasn't what we planned, but that's what happened. I have had 6 miscarriages. In order to get pregnant I had to take the medication Clomid (fertility pill). I got pregnant several times, but couldn't maintain the pregnancy, then it got so I was unable to get pregnant. The Infertility OBGYN I was going to at that time suggested fertility pills and artificial insemination. By this time I had been through 3 miscarriages (one was at 5 months). I was able to conceive with the first month of taking Clomid

and being artificially inseminated, only to miscarry about 4 months later. Then, through using this same method, in 1975 our 2nd child was born. I was able to conceive twice more using this method, but both ended up in miscarriages. - - - I started having a miriad of "female" troubles. It got so that every month I knew if the migraine didn't do me in, the incredible about of flow I had would do the job for sure. So, after seeing several different doctors, I had a hysterectory (including tubes and ovaries) at the age of 25.

I should say that prior to becoming pregnant with using the medication Clomid and artificial insemination, I had an ovarian wedge resection. The surgeon acts like he is peeling an orange, and peels away and discards part of each ovary's outer skin. This makes ovulation easier.

Clomid is still used. Ovarian wedge resections are

also still being done.

In order to prevent pregnancy the birth control pills need to be strong enough to prevent ovulation. When taking postmennopausal hormone treatment, you only take the amount you need to keep you from having sore breasts, night sweats, etc. So, please don't compare the two because what you may need as hormone replacement could be much less of a dose, and they are different medications anyway.

Sorry this is so long!! It is a major issue with me. I have head some of our group members say: "If only I had known, then maybe I could have had a child." So, please - - if you are wanting to have a baby, you aren't too old... If you see a doctor who specializes in high risk pregnancies and stick close to a good rheumy - - having a baby isn't totally out of the question. Everyone is different so the only way anyone could know, would be to see the appropriate doctors and have some testing done.

Good Luck !! Hugs - a Bbeezhive1130 wrote:

Hello everyone. I'm popping in to say Hi and ask a question. Has anyone here been through "early menopause" due to Lupus or MCTD? As for now, my dx's are MCTD, Fibro, GERD, IBS, MVP (all I can remember at the moment). I've been having menstral problems (well since I started at age 9) but worse in the past year. Skipping, then spotting for 3 months straight and now no period at all for 3 1/2 months. I'm on Provera - but so far nothing is happening. They did blood test last week - still waiting on the results. Anyway, just wondering if anyone has had this and what the outcome was. Doc says I will have to be on Hormone Reaplacement Therapy until age 52 or so. I'm only 31 now. This scares me because birth control pills, etc. always put me in a flare. What do you all

think? All your ideas, advice, experience and infinite wisdom will be much appreciated. Hope everyone is doing as well as possible with these dang diseases.Love and gentle hugs to you all - - Jerri"The LUPIES Store" Come check out our store...http://www.cafepress.com/thelupies"The LUPIES Web Page"http://www.itzarion.com/lupusgroup.html"The LUPIES online photo albums!" Check out what your fellow Lupies look like...http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=lupies