Guest guest Posted February 15, 2002 Report Share Posted February 15, 2002 I don't have Lupus, but I do have Sarcoidosis, which is also an immune system disorder.<br><br>Hypo can be caused by inappropriate immune system response. In the case of sarcoid, it can show up in the brain, and if it affects the pituitary gland this can lead to secondary hypogonadism. I would assume it could also show up in the testes, but I have not read about this.<br><br>You can also have something happen called " immune mediated destruction " of an organ or system. This is where the body - for unknown reasons - makes anitibodies against it's own cell types. This is a common cause of diabetes, where the insulin producing cells are destroyed by the immune system. In the case of the pituitary gland, specific cells that manufacture specific hormones are often targeted - not necessarily the entire gland. So you could have the cells that produce FSH and LH destroyed and have cells that produce growth hormone remain intact. Immune Mediated Destruction may not show up on MRIs or other scans.<br><br>The final factor is the steroids that are given to patients with immune system problems like Lupus or Sarcoidosis. Prednisone in high doses can turn off the body's reproductive axis, since the body interprets the steroids as a highly stressful condition. Hormone production may or may not return after this happens. This is an often overlooked factor in hypogonadic patients.<br><br>In my particular case, I have so many endocrine problems they cannot determine which of these scenarios apply to me. One Endo suspects Immune Mediated Destruction. The other thinks the steroids are to blame. The reality is that we will probably never know, and the results are the same no matter what the cause. <br><br>By the way, they have been experimenting with Testosterone therapy for women with Lupus. T has a definite positive effect on the immune system.<br><br>Regards,<br><br>K4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 Do many of you with RA also suffer with Lupus?...Isn't Lupus the disease that shows up with a reddish rash on the face???.. Sheesh, boy I hate these auto immune diseases!!!!! Thanks RA 6yrs, mtx, plus pain pills when needed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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