Hormones and balance.

[Guest guest]

HI all,

And thank you Debbie for mentioning the importance of having our hormone balanced.. That's exactly what I've been trying to say in so many previous posts, we humans usually pay little attention to how they work, of course generally we don't need to as the body keeps things in balance. But too much or not enough of one or the other can really throw things out of whack. For instance too low an estrogen level when one is menopausal can cause a too high level of Testosterone. Too much Progesterone can cause an environment for Yeast, depression or PMS.

And on and on and on although I've NOT seen any of these disturbances in connection with VV...... but........... they know thru many studies that people with Lichen Sclerosus ( a subset of VV) definitely do lack or have less of the Testosterone receptors, again even tho the blood level could be fine. Also as I do think of it though, they know that Estradiol has a hugh effect on skin, and it may be our connection. Who knows??

I was fortunate because I knew about hormones when I was younger and insisted (they didn't want to do them *sigh*) on getting 'my" levels tested, and they've served me well now that I'm older. I'm one of those whose 'normal' levels are definitely in the high range and that's what works for me.

Had I not known that, I had a doctor tell me that I had enough because I fell into the 'low' normal range. *sigh*...once we got up to 'my' levels I was fine once again. (I went every two/three weeks until we did, haha) We are all so individual and all so different, but I still try to get my levels done yearly especially since I'm on HRT....... even tho I may take the same dosage daily, it can still fluctuate within a year and may need to be adjusted. But 'balance' is definitely a key word for all of it.

But still just a quick comment here, that even though the blood serum levels were fine, It still took me adding the Estradiol cream directly to the vaginal area (topically) for it to be effective, and I've found this true with some others as well. The main reason I keep my levels checked for the whole body are the major other benefits they provide overall.

Just for information, check this out below... it's taken from that marvelous book I keep pushing haha.. 'Screaming to be Heard' hormone connections that women suspect and doctors 'still' ignore" by Dr. E. Vliet..

"Dr. Vliet explains that both the central brain and the body nervous systems have cells with receptor sites sensitive to 17-beta estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. The brain clearly responds to the withdrawal & absence of these ovarian hormones.

It is now thought that the brain testosterone receptor is created by the presence of estradiol. Without enough estradiol to "prime the pump", testosterone produced by the ovary cannot attach properly in the brain centers to stimulate sexual arousal for women. Estradiol plays a role in how well your testosterone can work.

All the androgens, (one of which is testosterone), are made from cholesterol by the ovary and, to a lesser extent, the adrenal glands in both men & women. Over a woman's lifetime, the ovary, (if left intact), makes on average about 1/3 of a woman's total circulating androgens, in addition to producing estradiol & progesterone. Beginning several years before menopause, the adrenal glands have already decreased androgen production by about half and the ovary levels of testosterone have already started to decrease.

Hysterectomy w/removal of ovaries before menopause is even more drastic. Testosterone blood levels fall markedly within 24-48 hrs. after surgery--big shock to body with potentially major unpleasant effects from the loss of testosterone: loss of sex drive, decrease in muscle mass, bone density, fatigue, depressed mood, achy joints, changes in feelings of well-being to name a few.

Even if 1 or both ovaries are left, hormone production reaches menopausal levels within 3-4 yrs. in 60-70% of women, even if they are in their 30's when the uterus only is removed or just a tubal ligation is performed. (thanks to Sandi for transcribing this)

Believe me, this is a very very minimal part from that excellent book, but does show the interconnection to all the hormones. Warmest, Dee~

[Guest guest]

Dee,

I am not meaning to be a smart A**. but, I am not on internal hormones. Are

you scared of breast cancer with all the studies that are out? I say they

pump us full of drugs now and cut off our boobs later. Pluueezz convince

me that isn't true. I want to be better. Even when I was on NHRT I felt

horrible. Then I had the bleeding. They wanted to do a D and C. I

declined, got off the hormones, no more bleeding. I did order the book,

but am looking for answers.

Lona

who is waiting for the mailman to bring it..

" Dr. Vliet explains that both the central brain and the body nervous systems

have cells with receptor sites sensitive to 17-beta estradiol, progesterone

and testosterone. The brain clearly responds to the withdrawal & absence of

these ovarian hormones.

3-4 yrs. in 60-70% of women, even if they are in their 30's when the uterus

only is removed or just a tubal ligation is performed. (thanks to Sandi for

transcribing this)

Believe me, this is a very very minimal part from that excellent book, but

does show the interconnection to all the hormones. Warmest, Dee~