Symptoms of myasthenia gravis and my period make life difficult

The day I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), the doctors briefed me on the essentials: symptoms, treatment plans, and what to expect from life with a chronic illness. But what no one mentioned is that one autoimmune disease often acts like a magnet, attracting other conditions like uninvited guests.

And let me tell you, when it comes to my health, a simple flu can quickly turn into a full-blown horror story that lasts for weeks. Winter is always a challenging season for me, so today, let’s make it glamorous: I’m going to talk about my period.

From my very first period at age 12, I knew something wasn’t right. Sure, you might think, it’s probably just premenstrual syndrome (PMS). But nope! It’s both PMS and an autoimmune cocktail of symptoms. The journey begins with bloating, headaches, and extreme fatigue — the standard PMS suspects. But then it escalates.

Recommended Reading

October 16, 2023 Columns by Shawna Barnes

How I’m navigating symptoms of both early menopause and MG

Cue MG: sudden weakness, shortness of breath, and the occasional inability to walk. Add in fibromyalgia’s starring role with joint pain that flares like wildfire, and voilà, my period transforms into a full-body horror show. Let’s not forget the cold temperature’s effect on my muscles, a cruel antagonist that makes everything worse.

But I don’t want to scare you, nor am I looking for sympathy. Instead, I want to share practical strategies that help me — not to eliminate the pain (I wish!), but to at least soften the edges.

What helps me manage the chaos

1. Nutrition is key: About two weeks before my period, I start cutting out inflammatory foods like sugar and dairy. It’s not a magic cure, but it makes a noticeable difference, especially with fibromyalgia-related joint pain. Herbal teas are also a lifesaver; everyone has their favorite, but mine help me go from “barely walking” to “exhausted but mobile.” I also strongly believe that MG can’t flare up when my inflammation is low (speaking from experience).
2. Therapeutic support: Scheduling massages or physical therapy sessions the week before my period has been a game changer. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it helps my body handle the symptoms better.
3. Lightening my schedule: Whenever possible, I clear my calendar or at least lighten my workload during that time of the month. If it’s winter, I avoid going outside altogether, as it’s not worth the extra strain.
4. Listening to my body: Everyone’s experience is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Experimenting with nutrition, therapy, and self-care routines has taught me that organization and flexibility are essential to managing pain and improving my quality of life.

To the men reading this: If your wife, daughter, or mother has MG, please be extra gentle with her during this time. Beyond the physical symptoms, you might notice mood swings (trust me, we’re not thrilled about those, either). Pro tip: Bring her some dark chocolate. It’s a golden ticket every single time.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.