Help with Hormone Replacement Therapy
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conchettacade
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Help with Hormone Replacement Therapy
This is my first time to write in although not my first time to visit this site. I have researched this site for a long time now and I have found information that helped me to be in remission since November, 2012. I recently had a hysterectomy (2 weeks ago) and MC is back. I am on HRT at present and I need information from other people that have been through this. Do I need to stop the hormones even if MD insist? Would HRT administered through a transdermal patch help my MC? Is it ok to be on Entocort and HRT at the same time? Oh my gosh, Will this last forever? Please any information would be greatly appreciated as I am to follow up with gynecologist tomorrow. Thanks!! Conchetta
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wmonique2
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help with hormone therapy
Conchetta,
I take bio-identical hormones too for many years. I don't see the relationship between your gut and the hormones. I wouldn't stop taking the hormones especially if you have symptoms. You'll go plum crazy.
HRT and MC are two different issues. And you need to address both of them. I take hormones and I take mesalamine for my MC. I was on entecort too and it never interfered with HRT. Whichever way you take your HRT is fine.
You need meds for both of them. You maybe going through a relapse with your MC and certainly NEVER stop entecort without phasing it out very SLOWLY. Certainly the stress of going through a hysterectomy may have brought back the MC. Stress does that. So you need to get back on track. You'll be fine if you address both issues separately.
Don't stop anything right now. You'll go over the cliff.
Monique
I take bio-identical hormones too for many years. I don't see the relationship between your gut and the hormones. I wouldn't stop taking the hormones especially if you have symptoms. You'll go plum crazy.
HRT and MC are two different issues. And you need to address both of them. I take hormones and I take mesalamine for my MC. I was on entecort too and it never interfered with HRT. Whichever way you take your HRT is fine.
You need meds for both of them. You maybe going through a relapse with your MC and certainly NEVER stop entecort without phasing it out very SLOWLY. Certainly the stress of going through a hysterectomy may have brought back the MC. Stress does that. So you need to get back on track. You'll be fine if you address both issues separately.
Don't stop anything right now. You'll go over the cliff.
Monique
Diagnosed 2011 with LC. Currently on Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
I believe Monique is right in that stress is probably why your MC has flared. Surgery is a major stress to your body. i think I have read somewhere on here how surgery can throw you into a flare.
How long have you been on Entocort? What dose are you on right now? If you have weaned down to a lower dose, you may want to go back up to the full 9mg. You don't mention diet, but if you have not stuck to your diet 9 or have loosened up), you should also go back to what you could eat when you were first started trying to heal.
Good luck
Leah
How long have you been on Entocort? What dose are you on right now? If you have weaned down to a lower dose, you may want to go back up to the full 9mg. You don't mention diet, but if you have not stuck to your diet 9 or have loosened up), you should also go back to what you could eat when you were first started trying to heal.
Good luck
Leah
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conchettacade
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Hi Conchetta,
I agree with Monique that your flare is probably due to stress. And as Leah pointed out, another trigger is abdominal surgery. Physically handling the intestines (during surgery) can trigger mast cell degranulation, and this can initiate an MC flare.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with Monique about the relationship between hormones and MC. MC is affected by hormone levels, but the effects are usually unpredictable. For example, if you look at a group of women who have MC and who become pregnant, for roughly half of them their MC will go into remission for the duration of their pregnancy. For the other half, their symptoms will become worse. That's due to the effects of hormone changes in the body, but no one understands the reasons behind it, at least not so far.
We have many members who cannot use HRT in any form, because it will cause their MC to flare (even when they use transdermal patches). However, this doesn't apply to everyone, and since you were using HRT for years without any problems, there is a good chance that when your body settles down again, you will be able to continue to use HRT without adversely affecting your MC.
It's safe to take Entocort while using HRT. If you are unable to regain remission after a reasonable amount of time, you might need to consider changing your HRT program (to see if that is what is preventing you from achieving remission), but as Monique pointed out, doing that can lead to plenty of problems of it's own.
Let's hope that by being extra-careful with your diet, and maybe eating a simple, bland diet for a while, you will be able to reach remission again, without having to make any changes in your HRT program. Entocort should start controlling the D within a week or two, but it can take longer for some people, so please don't be discouraged if you don't see results immediately.
Tex
I agree with Monique that your flare is probably due to stress. And as Leah pointed out, another trigger is abdominal surgery. Physically handling the intestines (during surgery) can trigger mast cell degranulation, and this can initiate an MC flare.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with Monique about the relationship between hormones and MC. MC is affected by hormone levels, but the effects are usually unpredictable. For example, if you look at a group of women who have MC and who become pregnant, for roughly half of them their MC will go into remission for the duration of their pregnancy. For the other half, their symptoms will become worse. That's due to the effects of hormone changes in the body, but no one understands the reasons behind it, at least not so far.
We have many members who cannot use HRT in any form, because it will cause their MC to flare (even when they use transdermal patches). However, this doesn't apply to everyone, and since you were using HRT for years without any problems, there is a good chance that when your body settles down again, you will be able to continue to use HRT without adversely affecting your MC.
It's safe to take Entocort while using HRT. If you are unable to regain remission after a reasonable amount of time, you might need to consider changing your HRT program (to see if that is what is preventing you from achieving remission), but as Monique pointed out, doing that can lead to plenty of problems of it's own.
Let's hope that by being extra-careful with your diet, and maybe eating a simple, bland diet for a while, you will be able to reach remission again, without having to make any changes in your HRT program. Entocort should start controlling the D within a week or two, but it can take longer for some people, so please don't be discouraged if you don't see results immediately.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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conchettacade
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Help with Hormone Replacement Therapy
Leah -
I am sticking to my diet (gluten and dairy free) and maybe you are right. Maybe I should go back to cooked fruits and veggies rather than fresh. I have not eliminated soy from my diet and maybe I should.
I am not on Entocort at present but the moment I call my gastro, He will prescribe it for me again. That's what he always does. I was on Entocort for 9 months last year. I hate having to take it but I may not have a choice this time.
Thanks for your ideas!
Conchetta
I am sticking to my diet (gluten and dairy free) and maybe you are right. Maybe I should go back to cooked fruits and veggies rather than fresh. I have not eliminated soy from my diet and maybe I should.
I am not on Entocort at present but the moment I call my gastro, He will prescribe it for me again. That's what he always does. I was on Entocort for 9 months last year. I hate having to take it but I may not have a choice this time.
Thanks for your ideas!
Conchetta
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conchettacade
- Posts: 5
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Help with Hormone Replacement Therapy
Tex -
Mast Cell Degranulation from abdominal surgery - Gee, that sounds serious. What does that mean?
Please note that during my hysterectomy, the MD found that I had scar tissue from a previous C-section that had attached to my abdominal wall. He said that he had to do a major clean up job on me.
Please also note that I did not take hormones for years prior to surgery. I think that was Monique that has taken for years. I on the other hand tried to take hormones prior to surgery but I stopped after one month because I started having vibrations in my colon. My gynecologist thought that I was nuts but I had constant (24 / 7) vibrations in my colon while taking the hormones so one thing led to another and I ended up having the hysterectomy.
I really appreciate all of your suggestions. I plan on calling my gastro today and opting for the bland diet that helped begin my healing prior to this flare up. Thanks Again, Conchetta
Mast Cell Degranulation from abdominal surgery - Gee, that sounds serious. What does that mean?
Please note that during my hysterectomy, the MD found that I had scar tissue from a previous C-section that had attached to my abdominal wall. He said that he had to do a major clean up job on me.
Please also note that I did not take hormones for years prior to surgery. I think that was Monique that has taken for years. I on the other hand tried to take hormones prior to surgery but I stopped after one month because I started having vibrations in my colon. My gynecologist thought that I was nuts but I had constant (24 / 7) vibrations in my colon while taking the hormones so one thing led to another and I ended up having the hysterectomy.
I really appreciate all of your suggestions. I plan on calling my gastro today and opting for the bland diet that helped begin my healing prior to this flare up. Thanks Again, Conchetta
Conchetta,
Basically, mast cells apparently play a part in the inflammatory process for many/most of us, and for some of us, they become a persistent problem because they continue to degranulate (when they shouldn't) to release histamines, and other pro-inflammatory agents. This is known as mast cell activation disorder MCAD, and most GI specialists (nor most other doctors) have never even heard of it, let alone have any idea how to treat it.
We have found that it can be effectively treated in most cases by ordinary OTC antihistamines. In fact, for some of us, antihistamines work almost as well as Entocort or any other corticosteroid. If you are interested in reading more about them you can find additional information on mast cell issues and how they are associated with MC at the links listed in my first post in the thread at the following link:
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=17780
Tex
Basically, mast cells apparently play a part in the inflammatory process for many/most of us, and for some of us, they become a persistent problem because they continue to degranulate (when they shouldn't) to release histamines, and other pro-inflammatory agents. This is known as mast cell activation disorder MCAD, and most GI specialists (nor most other doctors) have never even heard of it, let alone have any idea how to treat it.
We have found that it can be effectively treated in most cases by ordinary OTC antihistamines. In fact, for some of us, antihistamines work almost as well as Entocort or any other corticosteroid. If you are interested in reading more about them you can find additional information on mast cell issues and how they are associated with MC at the links listed in my first post in the thread at the following link:
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=17780
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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humbird753
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- Location: Wisconsin
Tex - Is it possible Conchetta is having difficulties in part due to antibiotics administered during surgery?
I've only had one surgery (appendix), but was given the impression that it is common practice to administer antibiotics.
Conchetta - I hope you begin feeling better soon.
Paula
I've only had one surgery (appendix), but was given the impression that it is common practice to administer antibiotics.
Conchetta - I hope you begin feeling better soon.
Paula
Paula
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
Hi Paula,
Yes it is, and that's why if I were in that situation I would wait a while longer before doing anything drastic (such as discontinuing HRT), because it may resolve on it's own, but usually the effects of antibiotics wear off after a couple of weeks (unless they cause a C. diff infection, but her symptoms should be worse if she has developed C. diff).
If she hasn't been taking a probiotic since the antibiotic treatment, it's possible that it might still help, but at this stage of the game, that's kind of a long shot.
I doubt that any surgery is done these days without the use of antibiotics.
Tex
Yes it is, and that's why if I were in that situation I would wait a while longer before doing anything drastic (such as discontinuing HRT), because it may resolve on it's own, but usually the effects of antibiotics wear off after a couple of weeks (unless they cause a C. diff infection, but her symptoms should be worse if she has developed C. diff).
If she hasn't been taking a probiotic since the antibiotic treatment, it's possible that it might still help, but at this stage of the game, that's kind of a long shot.
I doubt that any surgery is done these days without the use of antibiotics.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Conchetta,
I have limited time but wanted to give you my experience b/f your appointment. MC and women's hormone issues were directly tied together for me. In regards to your question:
Possibly--it's a trial and error thing. My experience was I'd have to try things for 8-12 weeks then reevaluate. I'd talk to your Gyn re: possibilty of transdermal down the road or bioidenticals down the road if you have problems kicking out of flare on oral hrt.
After 22 months of women's hormone struggles/mc I'm finally doing better but it's taken even 3 months for the bioidenticals to ramp up. The hormone thing is very individualistic but I'm doing like a 1000 percent better on the bioidenticals--partly because I had zero testosterone, almost no progesterone and almost no dhea and I felt like a 90 year old--actually they probably felt better than me. I didn't know that a woman needs some testosterone.
Let me know if you have any more questions, try the anti histamines and best wishes, Brandy
I have limited time but wanted to give you my experience b/f your appointment. MC and women's hormone issues were directly tied together for me. In regards to your question:
Not necessarily, I had a 5 month initial MC flare, could not tolerate oral prempro 3.25 as I had extreme stomach pains. Stopped after 3 days, went to black cohosh for 6 weeks, went to transdermal which I think is around 4.5. Ok on full strength transdermal for a month, started getting blinding headaches, went half strength on transdermal for awhile, still got headaches, cut in thirds put on my but on Monday morning so I could do math at work and would pull off on Thursday afternoons when headaches hit, did this for awhile, after 8 weeks of gf diet, 8 weeks meditative yoga 5 x per week, and while on transdermal I kicked out of my 5 month initial flare (before I got on Entocort.) I moved back to 3.25 oral prempro after I kicked out of flare because of headaches from transdermal.Do I need to stop the hormones even if MD insist?
Would HRT administered through a transdermal patch help
Possibly--it's a trial and error thing. My experience was I'd have to try things for 8-12 weeks then reevaluate. I'd talk to your Gyn re: possibilty of transdermal down the road or bioidenticals down the road if you have problems kicking out of flare on oral hrt.
I was on oral prempro 3.25 the whole 4.5 mths I was on Entocort. No problems. Entocort seemed to suppress my menopausal symptoms--I slept well and I could do math. Interestingly two weeks after getting off of 3.25 prempro I had to go up to the 4.25 prempro as my symptoms intensified.Is it ok to be on Entocort and HRT at the same time
No, but I had to try a lot of different things. Generally I'd try something for 8-12 weeks and if that did not work I'd try something else. Jan 15th of this year I switched from HRT to bio identicals but that threw me into another flare that was tough to get out of. claritin ready tabs kicked me out of flare. I did not have hysterectomy just menopausal issues. Surgery and hormonal changes are a huge shock to the body.Have you tried claritin ready tabs, allegra or zyrtec (get the dairy free one) try each for a week and see if it will kick you out of flare.Oh my gosh, Will this last forever?
After 22 months of women's hormone struggles/mc I'm finally doing better but it's taken even 3 months for the bioidenticals to ramp up. The hormone thing is very individualistic but I'm doing like a 1000 percent better on the bioidenticals--partly because I had zero testosterone, almost no progesterone and almost no dhea and I felt like a 90 year old--actually they probably felt better than me. I didn't know that a woman needs some testosterone.
Let me know if you have any more questions, try the anti histamines and best wishes, Brandy
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conchettacade
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Brandy, Tex, Paula and Joann -
Thanks for all the info and the well wishes for me. You guys are the greatest! I am anxious to learn more about histamines in regards to MC. It would be great if an OTC antihistamine helped me to get over the flares! Paula - I thought about those antibiotics, too. I took one probiotic after the D started but it seemed to make it worse so I stopped but you still could be on to something. Tex and Brandy are right, I need to give it some time. To Joann and all the ladies who gave me so much good info about hormones - Now I feel more equipped to tackle this due to the insight that you all have given me. I have had a good day today with only 2 episodes! All of you helped so much by calming me down. Physical and Mental stress play such a big part in this.
Thanks So Much, Conchetta
Thanks for all the info and the well wishes for me. You guys are the greatest! I am anxious to learn more about histamines in regards to MC. It would be great if an OTC antihistamine helped me to get over the flares! Paula - I thought about those antibiotics, too. I took one probiotic after the D started but it seemed to make it worse so I stopped but you still could be on to something. Tex and Brandy are right, I need to give it some time. To Joann and all the ladies who gave me so much good info about hormones - Now I feel more equipped to tackle this due to the insight that you all have given me. I have had a good day today with only 2 episodes! All of you helped so much by calming me down. Physical and Mental stress play such a big part in this.
Thanks So Much, Conchetta
I have to remember to book mark this thread or something. I have to have a hysterectomy in July but I get to keep my ovaries. I'm just so happy to know I can ditch my birth control pills. Of course, now I'm concerned about the actual surgery as I haven't had a flare yet really. As for the antibiotics, I'm not worried about as I had them with my last surgery a few month's ago and had no issues. But I've never had abdominal surgery before....why are the intestines affected in a hysterectomy? Are they going to give me hormones if they aren't taking my ovaries out. I haven't gone through menopause yet so I would assume I don't need hormone therapy at this time. If this surgery sets me back I'm just going to cry but I'll at least know to look back at this post and go from there. I haven't had to take any antihistamines as of yet.
Conchetta...sorry to hear you are flaring and hoping it will end soon. Keep us updated. I've never had surgery until this year and now I'm working on my second one just after getting MC last year....ugh. Not fair.
Terri
Conchetta...sorry to hear you are flaring and hoping it will end soon. Keep us updated. I've never had surgery until this year and now I'm working on my second one just after getting MC last year....ugh. Not fair.
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Conchetta,
Did you have much pain after surgery? How long before you could get around okay? Was it done solely by laparoscopy? What pain meds did they give you after? I'm not looking forward to this surgery after all. Sorry for all the questions. You can PM me if you like. I just had cervical surgery and had no issues with that whatsoever. This next surgery may be another story. Right now it's purely elective as my cervical cancerous lesion hadn't spread yet and they were able to get it all out.
Thanks,
Terri
Did you have much pain after surgery? How long before you could get around okay? Was it done solely by laparoscopy? What pain meds did they give you after? I'm not looking forward to this surgery after all. Sorry for all the questions. You can PM me if you like. I just had cervical surgery and had no issues with that whatsoever. This next surgery may be another story. Right now it's purely elective as my cervical cancerous lesion hadn't spread yet and they were able to get it all out.
Thanks,
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.