Does methotrexate injection cause periods to stop?

pavanabhat

Hi,

My daughter has been diagnosed with JIA and has been taking methotrexate injections since Sep2023. She was on MTX tablets from May 2023. She got her first periods in early Nov followed by second one in late Dec 2023. Since then she hasn't had her periods( > 5 months now). I am having a feeling that this is due to her MTX injections. What should be done now?

Her rheumatologist thinks its not related to mtx injections.

pavanabhat

I have checked with her rheumatologist and she doesn't think it is related to MTX

helpline_team

Hi @pavanabhat

Thank you for posting on the Helpline Online Community.

You enquire whether the methotrexate your daughter takes for JIA could be the cause of her periods stopping.

Our guidance on JIA and medications suggests that periods for girls can become irregular if arthritis is very active. Also, that medications such as methotrexate, can also have the same effect. JIA probably won’t affect puberty, however, may delay it with some medications such as steroids. You could also check on the medication information leaflet for guidance of possible side effects. If the Rheumatologist doesn’t think there is a connection, you could book an appointment for your daughter to see the GP if you are concerned about her health.

If you would like to get more answers to your post from other parents with experience of JIA, you may wish to repost on our Parents of Children with Arthritis forum. This is a supportive space where you can connect with other parents, ask questions and share experiences. You are also welcome to call our Free Helpline on 0800 5200 520 weekdays 9am - 6pm if you would like to talk informally and in confidence about arthritis.

You may find the following pages on our website helpful: 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/methotrexate/

Best wishes,

Helen, Helpline Advisor