Crohn's Disease and Female Hormones

[David]

In case you missed it, our Science Advisor, Dr. Judith Chapman recently wrote an amazing article that is in our wiki about Female Hormones and Crohn's Disease. It is well worth reading and will likely provide you some discussion points to bring up with your doctor.

Dustykat or Crabby - will you please post about this in the Female only forum as well.

 

[Judith]

Thanks David I appreciate it.
Crabby, I wrote this one for you after we had the conversation about your flares and changing brands of The Pill.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

Very very interesting article. thanks for sharing.

 

[Astra]

Thanks for this Judith
I feel worried now, I didn't read it all but will do when I've printed it off tomorrow.
I've been on HRT for 11 years now after removal of ovaries, cervix and uterus.
I've been told I have to take this til I'm at least 55, 6 years to go.
Something to discuss on Wed, at my appt with the surgeon

 

[Judith]

They said you "have to" take HRT? Hmmm.

There are some definite benefits to taking hormonal treatments. It depends on the person and their disease state(s) and history. Hormonal suplementation (or even chelation) is an extremely complicated topic. To further complicate the matter the type and dosage of hormones matter as well.

In addition, how your body handles and processes hormones complicates the issue even further. Some people may preferentially convert "male" hormones into "female" hormones (or vice versa) which can lead to much higher levels of female hormones in one person versus another.

The complicated nature of hormones in the body is further exacerbated by the fact that these hormones exert their effects by binding to Hormone Receptors. These Receptors vary in tissue distribution, density and what happens upon Receptor - Hormone binding (activation, inhibition, or even a graded effect).

I realize that probably didnt help to reduce your concern. My goal was to throw the topic out there as something to look at. Maybe some people will find a correlation (either positive or negative) with their symptoms. I hope a simple hormone drug formulation change, addition, or removal can help someone out..... or at the very least help folks understand why their IBD may be better or worse during certain times of the month.

 

[Jennifer]

Thread posted. I'll get to reading up on all that very soon! Thank you for all your hard work Judith!

 

[Judith]

Thanks Crabby! I hope it helps! Or, at least opens up some discussion between doctors and patients.