What is Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic, potentially debilitating or fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resul...
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Estrogen and Lupus
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So I went to the GYN yesterday for a normal check up and I'm having issues with dryness do to Sjogrens as well. She procribed estrogen for me to take. I sat there and asked her if she was sure because I'm positive I shouldn't be taking estrogen. She said "Yes it will be ok" So I told her I don't believe I'm supposed to be taking estrogen especially since I'm in a big flare now that has put me on short term disability through work. She started to get angry with me because I was questioning her and prescribed it anyways and told me that I needed to take it. This happened yesterday. So I went ahead and took it last night like a good little patient but today I woke up a tad bit more sore then yesterday. So I've put a call out to my Rheumy to make sure she wants me to take these pills. Have any of you had to take estrogen before??
Posted on 07/17/08, 10:07 am |
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I'm not a doc, but personally if you are feeling worse and your gut is telling you not to take it, then I would not. Lupus is a tricky disease so you have to listen to your own body. Believe me, I have ticked off my fair share of MD's, but I do what is best for me; not them. There is a lot of evidence about the hormonal factor of lupus. Has your gyn checked your hormones? The only reason I could see that she would put you on estrogen is if your levels have been checked and you are lacking. Putting the call in to the rheumy was the best decision, he should handle any med's that will affect your condition. I wish you the very best and hope that your rheumy calls you soon. 
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found the following at http://www.rheumatology.org/public...
The possibility that the use of estrogen may induce or worsen lupus has always been a concern for rheumatologists. Recent research has shown that estrogen can trigger some mild or moderate flares of lupus, but does not cause very severe exacerbation of symptoms. However, because estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots, it should be avoided in patients with lupus whose blood tests have revealed the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.
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Yeah its proven Estrogen is a contributing factor to flare ups and stuff. That means its not 100% in all lupus patients but there is a significant possibility it will make you worse. I agree with everything Reddutchgirl says, and if you ever doubt another doctor don't hesitate to check with your Rheumy. I run everything over with him including the meds my nephrologist puts me on. Personally I've never had any problems with Estrogen but I chose proestrogen products now just to be safe.
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I take estrogen due to the fact I have osteoporosis. It is a factor in strengthing my bones. Luckily, I haven't had any problems due to this.
I'm sorry for what you are going through and appalled by your doctor's lack of respect for your questioning her. Obviously, you have to do what works for you and keeps you from flaring. Keep us informed, okay? I'm keeping you on my mind and in my heart. peace and love ... Kyle Anne
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My gyn also put me on estrogen well birth control because it is supposed to help with overy cysts and my primary doctor told me no cause I have phosphate lipid syndrome and the birth control can cause blood clotts and i also asked are you sure I should be taking this and I called my doctor and he said no way. I always have a little flare at the time of my menstral cycle does anyone had that also....thanks...Wy
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I had the works removed in my forties before my Lupus dx. I kept having problems finding a workable level on the estrogen patch as I couldn't take pills due to migraines. After the Lupus, my Internist suggested "naturally compounded hormone replacement" which works great for me. I have had the dryness you spoke of but was given a cream and told the estrogen from that product was not absorbed into the body. You might ask about that. Feel better soon.
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They put me on the estrogen patch & i became very ill & ended up in the ER. My normal BP is 98/62 and it went up to 198/152!! I was so dizzy, sick to my stomach, felt like i wanted to pass out. I would say NO don't do it!! Of course this is just how i feel. Good Luck
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I forgot to say, I know it was the patch because once they took it off, about 3-4 hours later i started to feel a little better, but it took 4 days before i felt a lot better.
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I forgot to say that I had a complete hysterectomy in my forties. The doctor put me on a pill call Estratest, which has a bit of testosterone in it too. It helps with the lubrication issue.
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i would check with your rheumy and as well check with the lupus.org website (lfa) for any articles. Lupus is an estrogen dominated condition---so why would you mess that all up with taking more estrogen??
I did have some dryness for awhile, theres a good thing I use once a month called Rephresh. Also I try drinking 6 oz of water 6 times a day with every meal or at least half oz of your body weight as well as put myself on an anti-inflammatory diet (high in omega 3 and wild salmon, salad and almonds, kiwi, cantaloupe etc)for couple days taking norweigan fish oil with every meal, and it helped me.
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