Menstrual problems in ME/CFS

Menstrual problems and worsening of existing menstrual/gynaecological problems have been reported to occur in some patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Symptom recognition
The International Consensus Criteria (ICC) for myalgic encephalomyelitis includes Genitourinary dusturbances as an optional diagnostic criteria, but does not give examples of these. The ICC primer for clinicians states that females have a higher incidence of peri-menstrual symptoms (symptoms before and during the menstrual cycle) and these can last two weeks, and have more severe peri-menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms.

The Canadian Consensus Criteria for ME/CFS recognizes: These are not considered part of the diagnostic criteria, but are listed under possible genitourinary symptoms in the Appendix.
 * dysmenorrhea
 * premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or irregular menstrual cycles

Possible causes
The causes of new or worsening menstrual symptoms in people with ME/CFS are not fully understood, however other hormonal problems and symptoms resulting from the endocrine system have been widely reported.

Some medications are known to cause side effects that are hormonal.

Fibromyalgia
Some people with fibromyalgia experience new or worsening menstrual or gynaecological symptoms.

Learn more

 * Period pain - MedlinePlus
 * Perimenopause