Hormones, Pregnancy and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Many women experience their first HS lesions during pregnancy or right after delivery. Also, some women experience a worsening of HS around these times. Watch to find out why this may be and learn safe ways of managing HS if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the professional advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Never avoid, disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice, or change any of your prescribed medical treatments because of something you have read on this blog. If you try any therapies or recommendations discussed on this blog, you do so at your own risk.

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Azita
Reply April 15, 2019

Hi,

I have HS and I have plan to be pregnant. What should I consider? previously I’ve used Tetracyclin and Clindomycin for the treatment, didn’t work. So I tried injection and it worked but then after 6 months it started again. Can I take injection during pregnancy?

Best Regards,
Azita
- Dr. Ashley Biscoe
  Reply April 18, 2019
  
  Yes – it is considered safe to take biologic injections during pregnancy, as long as your doctor approves. We have patients who have used them during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Best of luck to you! 🙂
Lissa Benoit
Reply April 30, 2019

Do the inflammations decrease if you stop breastfeeding?
Ashley
Reply December 1, 2020

can you get pregnant if you have hs?
- Dr. Ashley Biscoe
  Reply December 4, 2020
  
  Hi, Ashley –
  Yes; women with HS can still get pregnant and deliver healthy babies! Just know that women with HS are more likely to have thyroid issues or polycystic ovary syndrome, and those conditions can make it harder to get pregnant. It’s always a good idea to have a thorough lab workup for blood sugar, insulin, thyroid markers, and sex hormones. ~Dr. B
Fiona
Reply December 15, 2020

Can hs cause inferlity & early onset of menopause, I’ll be 39 soon & would like to try for a baby soon.
- Dr. Ashley Biscoe
  Reply December 16, 2020
  
  Hi, Fiona –
  HS doesn’t cause infertility or early menopause directly, but women with HS are more likely to have thyroid issues or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Both of these conditions can impact fertility. What these conditions have in common with HS is that they’re rooted in inflammation (and very commonly insulin resistance, too). Be sure to join our Help for HS newsletter if you haven’t done so already, because we take you step-by-step through all of the important changes that you can make to restore your health! https://bit.ly/3aidPpg
  - Kimberly Landeros
    Reply January 3, 2021
    
    Hello I am 29 years old I am currently 8 weeks pregnant and have been dealing with HS since I was 21 .i have been considered by my obgyn as a high risk pregnancy . I have noticed that being pregnant has made it harder for my flare ups to calm down..i want to thank u for this very informative video as I learned alot today from it ..
    - Dr. Ashley Biscoe
      Reply January 4, 2021
      
      Thank you for sharing your experience, Kimberly. Yes — some women experience improvements during pregnancy, while others may experience HS for the very first time or flare badly. I’m so glad that you found this video helpful. Best of luck to you, and I’m sending you wishes for a healthy baby (and a healthy YOU!).
  - Genesis Wilder
    Reply August 30, 2021
    
    Can you get fmla with this disease ? My doctor told me my prolactin levels are high and could have a tumor in my brain because of this. I was misdiagnosed and never knew what I had for 10 years! And now this ….
    - Dr. Ashley Biscoe
      Reply September 1, 2021
      
      Hi, Genesis –
      I’m sorry to hear that you struggled for so long without getting answers. FMLA covers many things, and it really depends on your company’s policies. Companies with fewer than 50 employees do not participate with FMLA. However, if your condition prevents you from working altogether, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. I wish for your complete healing and recovery. <3
Shelly
Reply March 17, 2021

I have HS in left buttocks a fistula leaking yellow discharge and blood constantly. I have had three excision surgeries of area but keeps coming back. It is 2cm away from rectum in perineum area. Can this HS lesion cause a miscarriage or infection in the womb?.Can it reach the baby & is all yellow discharge infectious?
- Dr. Ashley Biscoe
  Reply March 18, 2021
  
  Hi, Shelly –
  I am so sorry that you’re having to deal with something so painful! In general, yes – fistulas can become very serious if infectious material spreads to other parts of the body. Sometimes infections can become systemic. Yellow discharge may or may not be a sign of infection. If it’s a milky yellow, that speaks more to an infection. I urge you to consult with your physician for the best course of action; please don’t delay! I’m sending lots of positive thoughts your way.❤️