Hi ladies.
I'm new here, but was definitely looking for someone who experiences this same issue. I'm newly diagnosed with RA. Although occurring to my symptoms I've had it for much longer than I care to remember. However, my menstrual produces the absolute worse flare-ups. Each and every month I have one about 3 days before my period starts and it last most times for 4-5 days. High fever, joint stiffness and terrible joint pain, severe inflammation, no appetite..
I've contemplated having a hysterectomy thinking that would eliminate the symptoms.

Mine for sure is horrible during menstrual cycle and not to be gross but my periods are worse too. My PA at my rheumy said absolutely period can cause flare. My regular doctor said the same. Extra hormones cause everything to go out of wack. I take iron to help with the pain of it all. Not sure why it works but it works for me.

Studies have been done regarding estrogen, but there's not been conclusive information that estrogen plays a direct role in causing RA. A higher level of estrogen is usually protective, as in pregnancy a person has fewer flares. When estrogen levels drop, before your period or around menopause, flares increase. There are quite a few hormones that work together and seem to affect RA, and most hormones influence other hormone levels in our bodies. Everything is interrelated. I definitely have found that my pain and inflammation increased around my periods!

Mine gets worse during my period 100%

I realized one of my biologics was making my cycle even worse than usual - but I didnt figure this out until I had stopped taking the bio.... During that time I had a uterine Ablation & it really helped alot!!! I did not have anything at all for several years. I had a full hysterectomy (except one ovary) 3 months ago. I was having problems again & it was determined my right ovary was triple in size, my uterus was the size of a 4 month pregnancy too. YUCK!!! The hysterectomy was laproscopic - worst part was being off my meds for 2 months & the "bowel cleansing" I had to do before hand. Wish my Dr had done it years ago.