Managing Psoriatic Arthritis During Menstruation
Psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation in the joints and skin, can sometimes be exacerbated in the days leading up to a person's period. This article provides some simple strategies to help manage flares during this time.
Exercises for Relief
Three easy stretches are recommended for managing psoriatic arthritis flares: finger extension or flexion, shoulder abduction, and knee extension.
- Finger extension or flexion can be performed by placing a rubber band around the thumb and fingers, relaxing the fingers back to their original position, and repeating 10 times per set with 2 sets per session.
- Shoulder abduction involves bringing the arms straight out from the sides and raising them as high as possible, and returning them to the sides.
- Knee extension involves placing a resistance band looped around the ankle and under the other foot, straightening the leg with the ankle loop, keeping the other leg bent to add more resistance, and returning to the original position.
Cold and Heat for Swelling
Ice or cold can be used to reduce swelling from psoriatic arthritis flares, while heating pads or hot baths can combat stiffness in joints during a flare.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to relieve increased psoriatic arthritis pain before a person's period. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can help control swelling, pain, and morning stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis flares.
The Role of Hormones
Research suggests that fluctuating hormone levels, particularly drops in estrogen and progesterone, may potentially cause increased pain, fatigue, and disease activity during a person's period. This is because low estrogen levels may increase pain perception, potentially causing a person to feel crummier and in more pain than during times of higher estrogen levels.
On the other hand, after a person's period, estrogen levels rise, which may improve inflammatory symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, such as stiffness, several days to 2 weeks later.
Stress Management
Stress is one of the main triggers for worsening psoriatic arthritis, and getting rest can help reduce inflammation.
Individual Approaches
Everybody is different, so what works for one person may not be right for another when it comes to managing psoriatic arthritis flares before a person's period. If none of the above methods help manage flares, it's important to talk with a doctor to determine a treatment plan that works best.
Investigations on the relationship between menstruation and psoriatic arthritis have been conducted in recent research, discussing how female sex hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, influence psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms during the menstrual cycle.
In an older study, 55% of women with psoriasis reported fewer symptoms during pregnancy, suggesting a possible influence of hormones on flares. However, it's important to note that every individual's experience with psoriatic arthritis is unique, and the impact of hormones on symptoms can vary greatly.
In conclusion, while managing psoriatic arthritis flares before a person's period can be challenging, the above strategies can help provide relief and improve quality of life. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised advice and treatment.
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