I saw a posting on the Lupus board that birth control pills can cause your Sed Rate to increase. Does anyone know of this is true? I am guessing this may just be in the case of someone with Lupus. But, since I have RA and they can be similar in nature, I was wondering if my pills could also be elevating my sed rate.

Thanks!!!

PS - I am going to ask my Dr. about it, but of course I won't be in to see him for another week!

Kitty -
ABSOLUTELY!!! Estrogen has a direct effect on SED rates.

I have to take BC for another medical problem (ovarian cysts). Have been working with my endocrinologist and my rheumy to find one that worked for me. Tried numerous different BC pills over the past year or so - even the so-called "mini-pill". Monitored it with blood work monthly. Most made my SED rate skyrocket. FINALLY found one that has been great -SED rate dropped 40 points after the first month. It's an injectable (1x monthly) - called Lunelle. Apparently it's a much lower estrogen level than the regular pills. Fairly new on the market.

[This message has been edited by scbagrrrl (edited 07-30-2002).]