Hormones and MC

[desertrat]

I was looking at this thread started by Tex
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... t=hormones
and I was interested in this statement from him:

I believe that hormones are one of the largely overlooked, (by mainstream medicine, at least), but very important modulators affecting the onset and/or recurrence of MC symptoms.

Is it just a coincidence that many women develop MC during perimenopause, or soon after menopause? Probably not, because the hormonal changes that occur then are quite significant, and, of course, they become permanent. Men go through a similar, (though less dramatic, and usually more gradual), change.

Maybe it's just my imagination, but I get the impression that the hormonal changes connected with puberty, seem to have a predominantly positive effect on immune system characteristics, as far as MC is concerned, (and possibly other autoimmune issues). On the other hand, the attenuation of those hormone levels, later in life, seem to have a predominately negative effect on the immune system characteristics that affect MC.

I started perimenopause almost the same time I was diagnosed with MC. My hormone levels were off, draining my adrenals, which then effected my thyroid, which then affected my gallbladder, etc. etc. etc. I started taking bio-identicals almost the same week as I was dx with LC. I also went on the GF diet. My stomach issues took awhile to settle down, but the D was quickly resolved to normans.

Now I wonder just how much hormones really come into play with MC. Why is it that women are more prone to this disease than men? Why does every perimenopause symptom seem to mirror/mimic MC?

I am having a hard time differentiating between the two. Are my random aches and pains from MC or hormone fluctuations? Why do I have indigestion one day, then not the other? Why does my big toe hurt, then not? Are these from hormones or food slip ups?

I am starting to wonder if people shouldn't have their hormone levels checked. Ever since I have been on bio-identicals (six months) I have noticed a vast improvement; however, I have them checked repeatedly (every six weeks) because they fluctuate so much and my hormones need to be adjusted to keep them within normal ranges.


I am constantly struggling to figure out if what I have is either a MC or hormone reaction. I truly feel it is hormonal and I wonder if other people on this board are having the same experience. It isn't fun thinking "ooh, must have been the (insert food name) I had that is causing this symptom, when in fact it might be hormonal in nature.

Thoughts anyone?

Mandy

[LindyLou]

Great question Mandy. I have often wondered that too. I haven't had a period on well over three years now but I still am getting hot flashes like there's no tomorrow. I'd say I'm averaging at least 6-10 per day but I don't know if I have any estrogen left in me so I really think mine are caused by the LC. I'm going to a new GI doc tomorrow. Hopefully this one gets it as the last one who actually diagnosed me didn't think diet had anything to do with this awful disease. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Linda

[Deanna in CO]

I don't know, Mandy. I am 46 and still having periods, but I have noticed my MC is at its worst every month just before and during my period. My ND/nutrtionist noticed the pattern even before I did. So there does seem to be some hormonal link for me. BTW my mom didn't go through menopause until 52, if that makes any difference.

[desertrat]

Linda and Deanna, thanks for the reply!

Linda, since you are definitely menopausal, have you taken any kind of HRT? If you are still getting 6-10 hot flashes a day, it seems like you might need the help of hormones? Maybe that would help you? It probably wouldn't hurt to ask your new GI for some hormonal blood work, just to see where you stand. And good luck on your new GI. My GI (now ex) told me I could "eat anything!"

Deanna, even if you are still having periods, you can be very low in hormone levels...just eeking out the barest amount of hormones to keep you going. If you are low, then your adrenals pick up the slack and that eventually causes adrenal fatigue. It is possible that you are at the beginning stages of perimenopause, which can take years before actual menopause occurs. I can sympathize with your MC being at its worst before/during your period. Even though I haven't had a period in over six months, I get "phantom" side effects every month...aches, lethargy, indigestion.

Mandy

[LindyLou]

Mandy,
HRT isn't for me. My mom developed breast cancer when she was taking hormone replacements so that is pretty much out of the question. That said, I do have an appointment with my GYN in early July so that is one of the issues we will explore.
I'm really hoping to get some help. I've been diagnosed for a year with this awful disorder and thought I'd be able to manage it with diet alone but have had a pretty bad flare going on now for the past 2 months that I really need some help managing this. I was diagnosed in 2003 with Chrons disease but at the time didn't believe it since I didn't seem to have all the major symptoms that come with it. Now however I'm having doubts. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. This is actually my husbands dr and she has taken very good care of him. Hopefully this will be a good experience.

[CathyMe.]

I was looking at this thread started by Tex
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... t=hormones
and I was interested in this statement from him:

I believe that hormones are one of the largely overlooked, (by mainstream medicine, at least), but very important modulators affecting the onset and/or recurrence of MC symptoms.

Is it just a coincidence that many women develop MC during perimenopause, or soon after menopause? Probably not, because the hormonal changes that occur then are quite significant, and, of course, they become permanent. Men go through a similar, (though less dramatic, and usually more gradual), change.

Maybe it's just my imagination, but I get the impression that the hormonal changes connected with puberty, seem to have a predominantly positive effect on immune system characteristics, as far as MC is concerned, (and possibly other autoimmune issues). On the other hand, the attenuation of those hormone levels, later in life, seem to have a predominately negative effect on the immune system characteristics that affect MC.

I started perimenopause almost the same time I was diagnosed with MC. My hormone levels were off, draining my adrenals, which then effected my thyroid, which then affected my gallbladder, etc. etc. etc. I started taking bio-identicals almost the same week as I was dx with LC. I also went on the GF diet. My stomach issues took awhile to settle down, but the D was quickly resolved to normans.

Now I wonder just how much hormones really come into play with MC. Why is it that women are more prone to this disease than men? Why does every perimenopause symptom seem to mirror/mimic MC?

I am having a hard time differentiating between the two. Are my random aches and pains from MC or hormone fluctuations? Why do I have indigestion one day, then not the other? Why does my big toe hurt, then not? Are these from hormones or food slip ups?

I am starting to wonder if people shouldn't have their hormone levels checked. Ever since I have been on bio-identicals (six months) I have noticed a vast improvement; however, I have them checked repeatedly (every six weeks) because they fluctuate so much and my hormones need to be adjusted to keep them within normal ranges.


I am constantly struggling to figure out if what I have is either a MC or hormone reaction. I truly feel it is hormonal and I wonder if other people on this board are having the same experience. It isn't fun thinking "ooh, must have been the (insert food name) I had that is causing this symptom, when in fact it might be hormonal in nature.

Thoughts anyone?

Mandy

Hi Mandy,
I am dealing with some hormone issues as well but I'm only 43, have not had a cycle in almost 9 months and am not post menopausal. I definitely think there's a connection, was diagnosed with LC in February, have had my hormones checked, am low on leutenizing hormone and just had an MRI to check for a pituitary tumor. I have a follow up with my endocrinologist this week and will be pushing to go on something as my mood swings are horrible. I have my D under control and feel my current issues are definitely more hormonal. I'm glad that you're doing well with the bio-identicals...wish me luck! Good post!

[Leah]

I also am also peri-menopausal ( i'm 50) and have been for a while. My periods are inconsistent, and both of my autoimmune diseases act up right before my period. I don't think it's a coincidence.

Leah

[carolm]

I was already through menopause when I was hit with LC. I was 53 at the time. This question might make a good poll.

Carol

[Denise]

My MC started and hit hard at peri menopause. I can not take hormone therapy because I had a blood clot in my sub clavian vein that was caused by birth control pills.

Denise

[Erica P-G]

I truly believe my LC began and hit hard just as I turned 40, in 2007, it took 5 years (yes huge denial) before going to a GI and becoming diagnosed with LC. GI didn't know how to treat me after the dx so went another two years, the hot flashes started and were so debilitating (0 sleep) in the Spring of 2014 I had to do something so it was then I learned I was in the throes of menopause 0 progesterone, and rapidly declining estrogen I had to do something about it because I couldn't function and I was only 46 yrs old.

I am on the fence if my MC is any worse for wear since taking a Bio progesterone 100mg and Bio estradiol weekly patch of 0.5 for a year now, but with the food changes incorporated into this year I hope I can get this figure out. With Enterolab saying to stop hormone replacement I am kind of puzzled as to what I will end up doing in the months to come. It is obvious my MC started with a Bang without any additional hormones, but apparently what my body was/n't producing freaked my system out and really sent the MC into a huge flare.

Sometimes I just wanna scream my frustrations out

[Gabes-Apg]

Scream away Erica.....

It's part of the process, as we learn of the various events, situations, medications that contributed to MC arriving in our lives...
If only we had the tardis (dr who) or the delorion (back to future) to go back 30 years and tell our young adult self what to do to avoid MC later in life ....

[Erica P-G]

Yes Gabes,
Back to the Future would be right on target right now! I can think of plenty of things I would have done differently

Being so clueless has made my 40's the worst time of my life, all I can say is I'm glad I broke thru before turning 50 into this brand new world that I can now hopefully pick myself up and look at life in a different way and move forward.