How can rheumatoid arthritis pain follow my menstrual cycle?

RA: Your menses are associated with changes in your fluid status and if you experience cramping it will also affect your sleep. Anything causing edema can increase the fluid in inflamed joints and make them more painful. (heat makes warm and swollen joints swell more, ice helps cool the joint and decreases pain). Anything that disrupts normal sleep will increase pain.

Depends on the RA: Some people may notice a flare with their cycle while others don't. The pain may be from the ra, but sometimes sleep can change and changes in sleep can affect pain. Your physician will be able to clarify whether the RA activity is present or not during this time.