Endometriosis and Hormonal Imbalances

Endometriosis and Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones are chemicals produced by glands of the endocrine system which travel through the bloodstream and interact with specific target cells. These cells have receptor sites where the hormones bind like a lock and key mechanism. A hormone acts as a chemical messenger which tells the cell to perform a particular function. This can include making enzymes, proteins or making new receptor sites for other hormones. As such, many hormones are interactive and interdependent, making the endocrine system extremely complex and difficult to fully understand. Of interest to women with endometriosis are the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen and Progesterone

The balance between estrogen and progesterone is key to regular menstrual cycling. Most physicians agree that it is the estrogen which is responsible for menstrual malfunction and the proliferation of endometriosis. What they don't agree on is the best way to address the estrogen issue.

For many years conventional medicine has utilized synthetic drugs that depress estrogen production by placing a woman into artificial menopause. Such drugs have included Lupron, Zoladex and Depo-Provera. While these drugs do inhibit estrogen function, they also occupy binding sites for progesterone, thereby depressing a woman's progesterone function as well. These drugs are referred to as "progestins", and they are man-made chemicals designed to mimic the progesterone naturally made in a woman's body. However, they cannot replace a woman's natural progesterone and they can cause many unpleasant side effects. Careful consideration should be given before starting progestin therapy.

Bio-identical Alternative

Lately, some physicians have addressed the estrogen problem by recognizing an imbalance between a woman's estrogen and progesterone. Resulting therapy has involved the use of bio-identical progesterone to counteract the estrogen, thereby limiting it's destructive function. This imbalance is referred to as "Estrogen Dominance" and is thought to be responsible for a wide variety of menstrual problems including PMS, fibroids and endometriosis. Estrogen dominance is caused by low progesterone and "environmental estrogens", which are chemicals that can produce estrogen-like effects on the body. Some doctors feel that progestins (including birth control pills) may also contribute to estrogen dominance. Levels of estrogen and progesterone can easily be tested by saliva assay. Due to the interdependency of estrogen and progesterone, dosage should be discussed with a physician who is knowledgeable about prescribing natural hormones. There is evidence that higher dosages of progesterone can lead to higher levels of cortisol. Dr. John Lee has written some very insightful books on reproductive hormones, their interactions and imbalances (estrogen dominance) and suggestions for balancing them naturally.

References on Natural Hormones and Related Topics:

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-menopause, Balance Your Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty, John Lee, MD Dr. John Lee, MD

Endo 101.com

Women's International Pharmacy

Progesterone Inhibits Human Endometrial Cancer Cell Growth and Invasiveness: Down-regulation of Cellular Adhesion Molecules Through Progesterone B Receptors. Dai D, Wolf D, Litman E, White M, Leslie K. Cancer Res 2002;Feb 1, 62(3):881-886

Twice-weekly Transdermal Estradiol and Vaginal Progesterone as Continuous Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy in Postmenopausal Women: A One Year Prospective Study. Cicinelli E, de Ziegler D, Galantino P, Pinto V, Barba B, Morgese S, Schonauer S. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;Sep 187(3):556-560

The Influence of Progesterone and Androgens on the Growth of Endometrial Carcinoma. Bowman K, Strang P, Backstrom T, Stendahl U. Cancer 1993;Jun 1 71(11):3565-3569

Progesterone Receptors and Human Breast Cancer. Clark G, Mc Guire W. Breast Cancer Res Treat 1983;3(2):157-163

Prevention of Endometrial Hyperplasia by Progesterone During Long-term Estradiol Replacement: Influence of Bleeding Pattern and Secretory Changes. Moyer D, de Lignieres B, Driguez P, Pez J. Fertil Steril 1993;May 59(5):992-997

Hysterectomy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

After a hysterectomy, hormones are frequently prescribed to ward off low estrogen symptoms, heart disease and osteoporosis. Most of these hormones involve the use of animal-based estrogen and synthetic progestins. As mentioned previously, synthetic hormonal drugs can cause significant side effects. Recent studies have questioned the benefits of HRT against heart disease and cancer, and have in fact suggested a link between the use of HRT and the increased risk of both heart disease and breast cancer.

Some estrogen is necessary even after menopause, but there is debate on how that estrogen should be replaced after a hysterectomy. There are herbal remedies and plant based estrogens that can address low estrogen symptoms and some women prefer to use those over synthetic drugs. For women with endometriosis and CPT, this is especially important as research shows that HRT can lead to a reoccurrence of endometriosis even after menopause. Careful consideration and consultation with your physician is recommended before starting any HRT, synthetic or natural.

References on Hysterectomy and Hormone Replacement:

There is an excellent resource for information and support for women who have experienced or are considering a hysterectomy. The site includes a wide variety of hysterectomy information, including pre-op and post-op issues, hormone replacement therapy, using natural hormones, anemia and hysterectomy recovery. The site also provides books, references and even a prayer forum for those scheduled for surgery. We highly recommend,

Hyster Sisters.com and their related web site The Hormone Jungle.com

Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: Principal Results from the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial. Rossouw J, et al, Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative Investigators. JAMA 2002;Jul 17 288(3):321-333

Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes During 6.8 Years of Hormone Therapy: Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study Follow-up (HERS II). Grady D, et al, HERS Research Group. JAMA 2002;Jul 3 288(1):49-57

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	Endometriosis and Hormonal Imbalances Hormones are chemicals produced by glands of the endocrine system which travel through the bloodstream and interact with specific target cells. These cells have receptor sites where the hormones bind like a lock and key mechanism. A hormone acts as a chemical messenger which tells the cell to perform a particular function. This can include making enzymes, proteins or making new receptor sites for other hormones. As such, many hormones are interactive and interdependent, making the endocrine system extremely complex and difficult to fully understand. Of interest to women with endometriosis are the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and Progesterone The balance between estrogen and progesterone is key to regular menstrual cycling. Most physicians agree that it is the estrogen which is responsible for menstrual malfunction and the proliferation of endometriosis. What they don't agree on is the best way to address the estrogen issue. For many years conventional medicine has utilized synthetic drugs that depress estrogen production by placing a woman into artificial menopause. Such drugs have included Lupron, Zoladex and Depo-Provera. While these drugs do inhibit estrogen function, they also occupy binding sites for progesterone, thereby depressing a woman's progesterone function as well. These drugs are referred to as "progestins", and they are man-made chemicals designed to mimic the progesterone naturally made in a woman's body. However, they cannot replace a woman's natural progesterone and they can cause many unpleasant side effects. Careful consideration should be given before starting progestin therapy. Bio-identical Alternative Lately, some physicians have addressed the estrogen problem by recognizing an imbalance between a woman's estrogen and progesterone. Resulting therapy has involved the use of bio-identical progesterone to counteract the estrogen, thereby limiting it's destructive function. This imbalance is referred to as "Estrogen Dominance" and is thought to be responsible for a wide variety of menstrual problems including PMS, fibroids and endometriosis. Estrogen dominance is caused by low progesterone and "environmental estrogens", which are chemicals that can produce estrogen-like effects on the body. Some doctors feel that progestins (including birth control pills) may also contribute to estrogen dominance. Levels of estrogen and progesterone can easily be tested by saliva assay. Due to the interdependency of estrogen and progesterone, dosage should be discussed with a physician who is knowledgeable about prescribing natural hormones. There is evidence that higher dosages of progesterone can lead to higher levels of cortisol. Dr. John Lee has written some very insightful books on reproductive hormones, their interactions and imbalances (estrogen dominance) and suggestions for balancing them naturally. References on Natural Hormones and Related Topics: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-menopause, Balance Your Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty, John Lee, MD Dr. John Lee, MD Endo 101.com Women's International Pharmacy Progesterone Inhibits Human Endometrial Cancer Cell Growth and Invasiveness: Down-regulation of Cellular Adhesion Molecules Through Progesterone B Receptors. Dai D, Wolf D, Litman E, White M, Leslie K. Cancer Res 2002;Feb 1, 62(3):881-886 Twice-weekly Transdermal Estradiol and Vaginal Progesterone as Continuous Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy in Postmenopausal Women: A One Year Prospective Study. Cicinelli E, de Ziegler D, Galantino P, Pinto V, Barba B, Morgese S, Schonauer S. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;Sep 187(3):556-560 The Influence of Progesterone and Androgens on the Growth of Endometrial Carcinoma. Bowman K, Strang P, Backstrom T, Stendahl U. Cancer 1993;Jun 1 71(11):3565-3569 Progesterone Receptors and Human Breast Cancer. Clark G, Mc Guire W. Breast Cancer Res Treat 1983;3(2):157-163 Prevention of Endometrial Hyperplasia by Progesterone During Long-term Estradiol Replacement: Influence of Bleeding Pattern and Secretory Changes. Moyer D, de Lignieres B, Driguez P, Pez J. Fertil Steril 1993;May 59(5):992-997 Hysterectomy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) After a hysterectomy, hormones are frequently prescribed to ward off low estrogen symptoms, heart disease and osteoporosis. Most of these hormones involve the use of animal-based estrogen and synthetic progestins. As mentioned previously, synthetic hormonal drugs can cause significant side effects. Recent studies have questioned the benefits of HRT against heart disease and cancer, and have in fact suggested a link between the use of HRT and the increased risk of both heart disease and breast cancer. Some estrogen is necessary even after menopause, but there is debate on how that estrogen should be replaced after a hysterectomy. There are herbal remedies and plant based estrogens that can address low estrogen symptoms and some women prefer to use those over synthetic drugs. For women with endometriosis and CPT, this is especially important as research shows that HRT can lead to a reoccurrence of endometriosis even after menopause. Careful consideration and consultation with your physician is recommended before starting any HRT, synthetic or natural. References on Hysterectomy and Hormone Replacement: There is an excellent resource for information and support for women who have experienced or are considering a hysterectomy. The site includes a wide variety of hysterectomy information, including pre-op and post-op issues, hormone replacement therapy, using natural hormones, anemia and hysterectomy recovery. The site also provides books, references and even a prayer forum for those scheduled for surgery. We highly recommend, Hyster Sisters.com and their related web site The Hormone Jungle.com Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: Principal Results from the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial. Rossouw J, et al, Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative Investigators. JAMA 2002;Jul 17 288(3):321-333 Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes During 6.8 Years of Hormone Therapy: Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study Follow-up (HERS II). Grady D, et al, HERS Research Group. JAMA 2002;Jul 3 288(1):49-57 Copyright 2008. catamenial-pneumothorax.com. All rights reserved.