Question for the women

[jerseyjezebel]

I haven't gotten my period in over a year.  I started getting hot flashes, too.  This led me to believe that I was going through early menopause.   I'm only 36.  The dialysis nurse told me that it's common for women bto not get their periods on dialysis.

I think I got my period today.  Not 100% sure, though.  Is it true about not getting your period on dialysis?

[jbeany]

Some lose it completely - hormone shifts and low hemoglobin side effects, mostly.  Some have it heavier and more frequently, mostly because of the constant doses of heparin. 

Best advice I can give you is get to an OB/gyn and get some tests run.  Most nephrologists don't have a clue what to tell you if it doesn't have to do directly with kidneys, and the number of younger, fertile women on D are rare enough that most of them haven't had to deal with it.

[Riki]

my family doc ordered some blood tests, looking for a particular hormone which is a marker for menopause in me.. it wasn't found, but I'm sure if you talk to your primary care/family doc, they can probably do the same thing, especially if you're like me and need a referral before you can see a gynecologist

btw, I'm 35, and just recently, after having increasingly irregular periods, endured a 46 day period.  I have an appointment with a gynecologist the end of August.

[justme15]

I am just like you. I am 36 and have not had a period for over a year.  I have other issues to though (high prolactin) which may be a cause.  I am seeing an endocrinologist in august for assessment of my hormones, prolactin and osteoporosis.    They said that it is important to have a period to protect my bones and bone density.

[jerseyjezebel]

I saw my primary doctor last week, and she said she was going to order some blood tests to see what's going on.  I think they drew the blood already, but I'm not going to find out what they say until she comes back.  I don't know when that will be.  She's a visiting physician, and only accepts Medicare, which I don't have.  Every time she visits, it's $150.  I try to space them as far apart as I can.

A 46 day period???  I don't know how you do it! 

[Grumpy-1]

Sorry for jumping into a "girls only" conversation, but jerseyjezebel  you say you are not on Medicare.  WHY NOT?  You should be.  Kidney failure is a reason for Medicare disability and with that comes, medical part B coverage.  Grumpy

[jerseyjezebel]

I am on Medicaid because I have never worked.   I am not eligible for Medicare.   I am also still on my father's insurance,  thankfully.

[cattlekid]

I rarely had my period when I was on dialysis.  As I was just a shade over 40, I was hoping it was perimenopause, but no such luck.  As soon as I had my transplant, there was Aunt Flo, back with a vengance.   

[noahvale]

*

[jerseyjezebel]

I have never worked,  so I am not eligible for Medicare.

[Riki]

A 46 day period???  I don't know how you do it! 

it was unbelievable.  It was like a marathon period, and heavy too.   Unfortunately, the day that it stopped, I started having gallbladder attacks.  *sigh*  no rest for the weary, I guess.

[Lexxtech18]

It's true. Dialysis messes with your hormones something fierce. I haven't had a normal cycle since I was 17. I may have a period one month then not again for 3 months. But when I do get them they are super strong! But usually only last like three days.

Also, question for jerseyjezebel... how did you manage to stay on your father's insurance after age 26? O.o

[jerseyjezebel]

I really don't know.   My father worked for the insurance company,  and when he retired he got good benefits.  I have to have a doctor fill out a form stating that I'm disabled.

[Riki]

It's true. Dialysis messes with your hormones something fierce. I haven't had a normal cycle since I was 17. I may have a period one month then not again for 3 months. But when I do get them they are super strong! But usually only last like three days.

Mine were almost clockwork.  I might miss a month here and there, and when they came they were light, and only lasted a couple of days.  This went on right up until about a year ago.  Then I started missing them, which I didn't mind, except when i did get them, they were heavy and lasted about 2 weeks.  Then the marathon period started.  I've been free for a couple of weeks now.  I'm hoping I stay that way for a bit.  I got too much othsr crap going on at the moment.

[cdwbrooklyn]

When I was in center, I missed my period for about a year and a half.  I didn’t think I will ever see it again.  As soon as I started NxStage, I received my period mostly every month for a week or two.  Sometimes it’s heavy and sometimes it’s light.  GYNs really don’t understand why you not getting your period.  He or she will give you every test in the doctor’s office only to realize it from being on dialysis.  It is normal for a woman not to receive her period after being on dialysis for a long period of time.  It happens to some women right away.   Anyhoo, as soon as your situation changes (like transplant, NxStage, PD..etc) your period will show up again.