irregular period and copaxone

[cranberrysauce]

I've been on copaxone for about 2 months now and my period is 11 days late.

I've been on birth control pills and my period comes like clockwork except for this month! I read online that irregular periods can be a side effect of copaxone but it was nothing my neuro warned me about when he went over side effects.

Anyone experience this? I am going to call my neuro and my gyno tomorrow.

But, I can't help but worry if it makes my period irregular, will it make mess with my fertility? I want to have children soon so I'm sort of in panic mode that my cycle is being messed up. And, I can't find any info on if cycles gets back to normal once you're off copaxone.

I'd love to hear some feedback.

P.S. I'm definitely not pregnant in case you're wondering

[newbie but goodie]

Hi there. Ive been on Cop since 1/12/12 and have only had one period the whole time.

I dont know how it affects fertility, but I do know you shouldnt take it around the time you are trying to get preggers anyways. I also dont know if these effects are lasting or if they only happen while on the C though.

Maybe you can call your neuro or Shared Solutions and get more info? SS has been pretty responsive and helpful to a point in my experience.

[Jules A]

I have been on Copaxone over 7 years and never had that problem. I hope things get straightened out quickly. Hang in there.

[woodstock]

I started on Copaxone 3/31/12. I had no period in April, about five days of spotting starting the 8th of May, and then another more regular period that started on the 17th. I'm 49, but haven't really had many problems in the past with irregular periods.

So, I'm also wondering if this is the Copaxone. I see my neuro again in July, so will see how June goes and ask then.

[cranberrysauce]

Just a little follow up...

Shared solutions says it happens about 1 in 100 women (either lose their period or it becomes irregular).

I also went to my neuro yesterday to discuss this and the other two side effects I think I'm having. He told me he thinks my period should go back to normal off the copaxone BUT he's also going to look through the newest literature. He said he knows this is a side effect but he hasn't had anyone have it in a while.

I did, ironically, finally get my period yesterday on the way to my appointment?! It was 54 days late. We will see what happens after this!

[iadopted3]

I didn't know this, I am just on my fourth week of Copaxone. My period just happened a week or so ago and it still is a bit wonky, lingering. But, I also am only about 5 weeks out from a 5 day IV steroid infusion followed by a 2 week taper down, so I know that can cause havok as well. Hoping to have it get back to normal and be finally done for a spell.

[KateA2]

hmm, I have noticed this...I thought it was a leftover from 5-days of in-hospital SoluMedrol in December (irregularities started in Jan/Feb) but continued long after any steroid-effect.

This past month was finally on schedule - I think I'm too young for it to be purely hormonal (ladies in my family don't hit menopause until mid 60s...so by that metric I have another 25-30 years of periods...fun!)

[Hawkfeather68]

Wow, I had no idea that was a side effect. I guess I have some reading to do to see what else there is. I actually asked my neurologist if that was something caused by MS, he said no. So, I just thought at age 44 maybe it's pre-menapause. I've been skipping periods here and there and really didn't even think about it being a side-effect! Thank you for posting this. Once again, I'm not feeling so alone.

Much gratitude and blessing!!!!

Katie

[stephjh]

Hi Ive taken copaxone 12 years and never had any menstrual side effects ( am now 44 ). Guess It could affect ppl differentally . Ive also been on iv solu medrol with no menstrual effects. Have you been to your gyno to rule out any other causes ? Steph