article re: menstrual cycle and autoimmune flare ups

[Guest guest]

My costochondritis gets worse just before or during my periods, why

would this be?

Prostaglandins are chemicals released at the site of an injury. The

are believed to be

the substances responsible for producing pain and inflammation

following tissue damage and in immune reactions. All the NSAIDs

block the production of prostaglandins.

The levels of prostaglandins in the body increase as menstruation

approaches, with the highest levels at the onset of the menstrual

period. Higher protaglandin levels increase uterine contractions

causing cramps and pain. In essence, the uterus squeezes so hard that

it compresses the uterine blood vessels and cuts off the blood

supply. This situation is similar to when the blood supply is cut off

from the heart causing pain (angina). In both instances the result is

the same--pain because the muscle does not have sufficient oxygen.

In addition, some of the excess prostaglandins escape from the uterus

into the bloodstream where they may affect other smooth muscles.

Thus, prostaglandins are responsible for the headaches, dizziness,

hot and cold flashes, diarrhea and nausea that can accompany painful

periods, and can also increase the pain of costochondritis.

Some women have found relief by taking NASAIDs several days before

your period is expected to start, building up the anti-

prostaglandins into your system BEFORE the pain-producing

prostaglandins are secreted! Keep taking until the end of the

second day of your period or whenever the pain usually eases up.