my appt. with the endocrinologist

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I just returned home from my appt. coming away with some answers and some fear. We reviewed all my tests and found that my estrogen levels are 28,29 no matter where I am in my cycle!( he had to look back at his notes to see if I had a hystorectomy) I will finally allow my self to say the estrace is working, although I have had a couple bad days here and there and it is irritating to my skin still I have had no burning after sex for 6 weeks.

the scarey part is he can't figure out why I am not producing estrogen, all my ovarian functions seem to be normal, my thyroid is off and the thyroid feels normal so he ordered an MRI to check the pituitary gland for desease. WHich is a little frightening to me!!

I asked him about estrogen replacement and he gave me the "at your age" thing I am only 34. SAid a low dose bc pill would be his suggestion. This all started when I took the pill so that is something that would cause me great anxiety. He seems to think I should just continue with the intravaginal estrace 2 times aweek like I have been.

So I feel pretty confident that I am on the right track. I guess I could call that dermatologist and tell her she was right it is all in my head!!!!

Questions....... What is e- string exactly?? i have never been able to tolerate tampons even befor this because In can feel them, would it be like that.??

I am talking to the doc. at the clinic I went to in cali. this pm I have to quiz her I guess. I also wonder if because thiis has gone untreated for so long if i could have damaged the nerves , if thats why I have some of this wondering pain somedays??

Always more questions than answers.

Daphne

[Guest guest]

> Hi everyone,

> I just returned home from my appt. coming away with some answers

and some

> fear. We reviewed all my tests and found that my estrogen levels

are 28,29

> no matter where I am in my cycle!( he had to look back at his notes

to see if

> I had a hystorectomy) I will finally allow my self to say the

estrace is

> working, although I have had a couple bad days here and there and

it is

> irritating to my skin still I have had no burning after sex for 6

weeks.

> the scarey part is he can't figure out why I am not producing

estrogen,

> all my ovarian functions seem to be normal, my thyroid is off and

the thyroid

> feels normal so he ordered an MRI to check the pituitary gland for

desease.

Are you still breastfeeding?

This site says that breastfeeding can be a cause of low estrogen:

http://www.vagifem.com/1_3.asp

Lynn

[Guest guest]

> no, he has been weaned about a month. If this has been my problem

all along

> it started before I got pregnant, some how triggered by the bc pill

then I

> got pregnant and nursed for a year.

> Daphne

Daphne,

Which pill were you taking?

High progestin pills will block your estrogen. Best choices are:

Ovcon 35, Modicon or Brevicon. These have 35mcg of estrogen and

..5/.4 norethindrone. Norethindrone is the progestin with the least

amount of pregesterone activity in the body (thus, less estrogen

blocking).

If you were taking Loestrin then it is HIGH in progestin/Lower in

estrogen and can cause problems.

Lynn

[Guest guest]

> Lynn,

>

> I just joined this list & noticed your posts. I hope I'm not

> jumping in inappropiately, but It seems

> you know a little about birth control & hormone levels.

>

> I'm fighting recurrent yeast infections. Didn't have the

problem

> when I was pregnant and didn't

> have the problem when I was taking OrthoNovum 7/7/7 - but that was

also

> 4 years ago. I've have

> recurrent yeast infections every month just a few days before my

period

> anytime I'm not pregnant,

> not taking Ortho Novum 7/7/7. I've been trying Yasmin the last two

> months - but I've had

> infections both months so I'm switching back to Ortho Nuvum

7/7/7. I

> don't know much about

> hormones but I believe this must be the cause of my yeast.

>

> My doctor has been little help. Does anyone have any input on this?

>

> Thanks so much for your help.

>

> Candace

>

Are you saying that for the past 4 years you have had a yeast

infection before your period? Now you are starting on Yasmin and

they are worse?

Yasmin has a new type of progestin in it that is very high dosage---

3mg is a lot of progestin. Progesterone/Progestin (the synthetic

progesterone) is usually the cause of yeast. Yeast that comes on a

few days before your period is from the rising progesterone the 2nd

half of the month and the declining estrogen but just a few days

before your period the estrogen takes a hugh dive down. There is

not a lot of info on the Yasmin progestin so I can't be of much help

there. Ortho Novum 7/7/7 is a constant 35mcg of Estrogen but the

progestin increases in these increments during the

month: .05/.75/1.00 1.00 is pretty high for progestin

(norethindrone) so I am stumped as to why it doesn't cause you

yeast.

If you take a lot of antibiotics (even Acne antibiotics) you can have

an overgrowth of yeast. Sugar feeds yeast so try to avoid sugars.

Allergy to soap/fabrics/hygene products/tampons/pads can make yeast

flare.

Where you using a diaphram or cervical cap for birth control when you

were off the pills? This too can bring on yeast.

Sorry I can't be of more help. One website says that boric acid

inserts are good. You get " 00 " empty gelcaps and fill them with

boric acid powder (about 2/3 full). Insert 1 into the vagina 2 times

a day 3 weeks then 1 time a day during your period for 4 months.

This is for Chronic yeast. Normally you would not go that long for a

simple yeast infection. The boric acid makes you " juicy " so you need

to wear a minipad. Also---if you skin is broken, it can cause

superficial burning so put vaseline or Aquaphor on the area. The

site said that this gets rid of cyclic chronic yeast. You can get

the gelcaps at the Health Food Store and the Boric Acid Powder is

over the counter at a pharmacy. Less than 10.00 for it all and the

powder makes a LOT of inserts.

Lynn

[Guest guest]

Daphne, The estring is a vaginal ring that fits up in the vagina about where your cervix is and stays there for 3 months secreating estrogen over the entire 3 month period at a regulated dose (dont ask me how this works I have no idea). If you cannot tolerate tampons, this may be uncomfortable for you, and you would probably fair better with vagifem. A estrogen pill that you insert like you would a tampon, only the pill is only the size of the head of an eraser, even smaller. I'm 26 and I am using the vaginal estring (and vagifem during the time I had the kidney stone). Maby he would be more willing to try one of thease thearapys rather then oral HRT. Bunny my appt. with the endocrinologist Hi everyone, I just returned home from my appt. coming away with some answers and some fear. We reviewed all my tests and found that my estrogen levels are 28,29 no matter where I am in my cycle!( he had to look back at his notes to see if I had a hystorectomy) I will finally allow my self to say the estrace is working, although I have had a couple bad days here and there and it is irritating to my skin still I have had no burning after sex for 6 weeks. the scarey part is he can't figure out why I am not producing estrogen, all my ovarian functions seem to be normal, my thyroid is off and the thyroid feels normal so he ordered an MRI to check the pituitary gland for desease. WHich is a little frightening to me!! I asked him about estrogen replacement and he gave me the "at your age" thing I am only 34. SAid a low dose bc pill would be his suggestion. This all started when I took the pill so that is something that would cause me great anxiety. He seems to think I should just continue with the intravaginal estrace 2 times aweek like I have been. So I feel pretty confident that I am on the right track. I guess I could call that dermatologist and tell her she was right it is all in my head!!!! Questions....... What is e- string exactly?? i have never been able to tolerate tampons even befor this because In can feel them, would it be like that.?? I am talking to the doc. at the clinic I went to in cali. this pm I have to quiz her I guess. I also wonder if because thiis has gone untreated for so long if i could have damaged the nerves , if thats why I have some of this wondering pain somedays?? Always more questions than answers. Daphne *****END OF MESSAGE*****-------------------------------------------------To post message: VulvarDisorders To Subscribe: VulvarDisorders-subscribe Unsubscribe: VulvarDisorders-unsubscribe List owner: VulvarDisorders-owner *****

[Guest guest]

> Let me clarify the info. Over the last 4 years I've had two

> children. So for 18-20 months of that time I didn't have the

problem.

> I took Ortho Novum from for 7 years before we decided to get

pregnant

> with our first child. When I stopped taking the pill my yeast

started

> monthly. Stopped during both pregnancies. I just had my second 5

> months ago. The monthly yeast started as soon as my cycle started

> again.

>

> I don't use diaphragm, or any other type of birth control. I

quit

> taking the Yasmin. I begin taking Ortho Novum 7/7/7 on Sunday.

After

> the first couple months I should be able to see if my theory is

> correct. I stay as far away from antibiotics as possible.

>

> One thing I noticed when taking the Yasmin that my energy

increased

> & I'm losing less hair. I'm unsure of the correlation between

hormones

> & how one person feels - all I know is what it has done to me.

However

> the yeast infections were terrible with Yasmin.

>

> Thank you for the info. Boric Acid does work well. I didn't

> realize I could buy that over the counter.

>

> Candace

Yasmin may have more androgen (testosterone) effects and that is why

your hair/energy is the way it is. That progestin is new and there

isn't any info on it that I can find.

Well---you seem backwards! LOL Most people get more yeast infections

during b/c pills and pregnancy. Have you been checked for diabetes?

If I come across any info that will help you----I will post it.

Lynn

[Guest guest]

I have been tested for Diabetes in the past. Once with my first

pregnancy - normal. Second with my second pregnancy because I told

them I felt sick when I drank a pop. It came back borderline

HypoGlycemic. I believe the low is something like 70 - at I was at

70. I do not notice as much of a problem now that I'm not pregnant,

although excess sugar from pop or candy does wear me down. I've had

people suggest I may be pre-diabetic. There is no diabetes in my

family until the age of 80. I was hoping it just had something to do

with me being pregnant.

> > Let me clarify the info. Over the last 4 years I've had two

> > children. So for 18-20 months of that time I didn't have the

> problem.

> > I took Ortho Novum from for 7 years before we decided to get

> pregnant

> > with our first child. When I stopped taking the pill my yeast

> started

> > monthly. Stopped during both pregnancies. I just had my second

5

> > months ago. The monthly yeast started as soon as my cycle

started

> > again.

> >

> > I don't use diaphragm, or any other type of birth control.

I

> quit

> > taking the Yasmin. I begin taking Ortho Novum 7/7/7 on Sunday.

> After

> > the first couple months I should be able to see if my theory is

> > correct. I stay as far away from antibiotics as possible.

> >

> > One thing I noticed when taking the Yasmin that my energy

> increased

> > & I'm losing less hair. I'm unsure of the correlation between

> hormones

> > & how one person feels - all I know is what it has done to me.

> However

> > the yeast infections were terrible with Yasmin.

> >

> > Thank you for the info. Boric Acid does work well. I didn't

> > realize I could buy that over the counter.

> >

> > Candace

>

>

> Yasmin may have more androgen (testosterone) effects and that is why

> your hair/energy is the way it is. That progestin is new and there

> isn't any info on it that I can find.

>

> Well---you seem backwards! LOL Most people get more yeast

infections

> during b/c pills and pregnancy. Have you been checked for diabetes?

>

> If I come across any info that will help you----I will post it.

>

> Lynn

[Guest guest]

In addition I struggle with mood swings, irritability, crying spells,

fatigue, unable to focus, spaciness - but all varies throughout the

month. Sometimes I feel very good, sharp, and focused. I believed it

to be drepression in the past but now wonder if it is a reflection of

having a recurring yeast problem.

> > Let me clarify the info. Over the last 4 years I've had two

> > children. So for 18-20 months of that time I didn't have the

> problem.

> > I took Ortho Novum from for 7 years before we decided to get

> pregnant

> > with our first child. When I stopped taking the pill my yeast

> started

> > monthly. Stopped during both pregnancies. I just had my second

5

> > months ago. The monthly yeast started as soon as my cycle

started

> > again.

> >

> > I don't use diaphragm, or any other type of birth control.

I

> quit

> > taking the Yasmin. I begin taking Ortho Novum 7/7/7 on Sunday.

> After

> > the first couple months I should be able to see if my theory is

> > correct. I stay as far away from antibiotics as possible.

> >

> > One thing I noticed when taking the Yasmin that my energy

> increased

> > & I'm losing less hair. I'm unsure of the correlation between

> hormones

> > & how one person feels - all I know is what it has done to me.

> However

> > the yeast infections were terrible with Yasmin.

> >

> > Thank you for the info. Boric Acid does work well. I didn't

> > realize I could buy that over the counter.

> >

> > Candace

>

>

> Yasmin may have more androgen (testosterone) effects and that is why

> your hair/energy is the way it is. That progestin is new and there

> isn't any info on it that I can find.

>

> Well---you seem backwards! LOL Most people get more yeast

infections

> during b/c pills and pregnancy. Have you been checked for diabetes?

>

> If I come across any info that will help you----I will post it.

>

> Lynn

[Guest guest]

> In addition I struggle with mood swings, irritability, crying

spells,

> fatigue, unable to focus, spaciness - but all varies throughout the

> month. Sometimes I feel very good, sharp, and focused. I believed

it

> to be drepression in the past but now wonder if it is a reflection

of

> having a recurring yeast problem.

>

Diabetes is a reason for chronic yeast infection. Something to do

with the way sugar is processed.

I have Insulin Resistance (pre-diabetes). It shows up as diabetes in

our family during perimenopause. My mom first showed diabetes at the

age of 45 and I am 40----getting close.

Your symptoms could be from the yeast or a hormone imbalance or PMS.

Have you had your hormone levels checked lately? Thyroid? These can

give good info too.

Lynn

[Guest guest]

You have low levels because you are probably allergic to estrogen! I

am allergic to several of my hormones and that, along with food

allergies, is causing my VV.

in SF

> Hi everyone,

> I just returned home from my appt. coming away with some answers

and some

> fear. We reviewed all my tests and found that my estrogen levels

are 28,29

> no matter where I am in my cycle!( he had to look back at his notes

to see if

> I had a hystorectomy) I will finally allow my self to say the

estrace is

> working, although I have had a couple bad days here and there and

it is

> irritating to my skin still I have had no burning after sex for 6

weeks.

> the scarey part is he can't figure out why I am not producing

estrogen,

> all my ovarian functions seem to be normal, my thyroid is off and

the thyroid

> feels normal so he ordered an MRI to check the pituitary gland for

desease.

> WHich is a little frightening to me!!

> I asked him about estrogen replacement and he gave me the " at

your age "

> thing I am only 34. SAid a low dose bc pill would be his

suggestion. This all

> started when I took the pill so that is something that would cause

me great

> anxiety. He seems to think I should just continue with the

intravaginal

> estrace 2 times aweek like I have been.

> So I feel pretty confident that I am on the right track. I guess

I could

> call that dermatologist and tell her she was right it is all in my

head!!!!

> Questions....... What is e- string exactly?? i have never

been able to

> tolerate tampons even befor this because In can feel them, would it

be like

> that.??

> I am talking to the doc. at the clinic I went to in cali. this pm

I have to

> quiz her I guess. I also wonder if because thiis has gone

untreated for so

> long if i could have damaged the nerves , if thats why I have some

of this

> wondering pain somedays??

> Always more questions than answers.

> Daphne

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I wonder which doctor helped you to diagnose the reason for your VV.

I have VV as well and my doctor in UCSF (Abner Korn) is beleiving

that it has nothing to do with food. I live in te Bay Area-

City and would like to talk to your doctor if you are happy with

him/her.

What kind of treatment are you using right now? I've been on Elavil

and then Impramine 150 mg/day, estrace and biofeedback. They don't

seem to be enough to recover significantly although biofeedback

helped to decrease the pain. I also found that I have pelvic

misalignment which may be the reason for not getting the right level

of results from biofeedback.

Anyway, I am happy for you that you could get an answer to the main

question: WHY???? Hope you'll get rid off your symptoms very soon.

Love

Irem

> > Hi everyone,

> > I just returned home from my appt. coming away with some

answers

> and some

> > fear. We reviewed all my tests and found that my estrogen levels

> are 28,29

> > no matter where I am in my cycle!( he had to look back at his

notes

> to see if

> > I had a hystorectomy) I will finally allow my self to say the

> estrace is

> > working, although I have had a couple bad days here and there and

> it is

> > irritating to my skin still I have had no burning after sex for 6

> weeks.

> > the scarey part is he can't figure out why I am not producing

> estrogen,

> > all my ovarian functions seem to be normal, my thyroid is off and

> the thyroid

> > feels normal so he ordered an MRI to check the pituitary gland

for

> desease.

> > WHich is a little frightening to me!!

> > I asked him about estrogen replacement and he gave me the " at

> your age "

> > thing I am only 34. SAid a low dose bc pill would be his

> suggestion. This all

> > started when I took the pill so that is something that would

cause

> me great

> > anxiety. He seems to think I should just continue with the

> intravaginal

> > estrace 2 times aweek like I have been.

> > So I feel pretty confident that I am on the right track. I

guess

> I could

> > call that dermatologist and tell her she was right it is all in

my

> head!!!!

> > Questions....... What is e- string exactly?? i have never

> been able to

> > tolerate tampons even befor this because In can feel them, would

it

> be like

> > that.??

> > I am talking to the doc. at the clinic I went to in cali. this

pm

> I have to

> > quiz her I guess. I also wonder if because thiis has gone

> untreated for so

> > long if i could have damaged the nerves , if thats why I have

some

> of this

> > wondering pain somedays??

> > Always more questions than answers.

> > Daphne

[Guest guest]

Hi Irem,

Initially it was a regular ob/gyn in SF that diagnosed vulvar

vestibulitis syndroms, but he did not know how to treat it

effectively. He would give me Diflucan when I had a yeast infection

(which was frequently) and I talked him into giving me Estrace to

apply externally. I thought about taking an anti-depressant to help

with the pain, I was very depressed from dealing with the daily pain,

but my father is manic-depressive and had his first episode after

taking TCA anti-depressants, so I was afraid to try them. I did go to

therapy though, and it helped me alot.

I started getting worse, having bladder pain, and knew I needed

better treatment, so I went to Helena Clinic, which I had heard about

from this list. I saw Dr. Cook, a reproductive

endocrinologist, who recommended their immune program. It consists of

getting tested for food and hormone allergies. I am allergic to

estradiol (estrogen), LH, testosterone, corn, wheat and yeast. The

only treatment I am doing is desensitization to all this stuff,

taking drops every day, and *avoiding the food I am allergic to*. If

I do that I am fine, no pain.

I believe your doctor in City won't consider the food has any

thing to do with it. I think the hormone allergies start it all, then

you start having cross allergies with food, then food starts being

the main trigger for pain, because it is probably something you are

eating a lot of, every day almost. Most doctors don't believe hormone

allergy exists, or that food allergies can produce symptoms outside

of the digestive tract. But I am living proof that it can, if I eat

something with even a small amount of corn syrup I can feel it down

there, although much less than before.

feel free to email me with more questions or if you want to talk,

in SF

> Hi ,

>

> I wonder which doctor helped you to diagnose the reason for your

VV.

> I have VV as well and my doctor in UCSF (Abner Korn) is beleiving

> that it has nothing to do with food. I live in te Bay Area-

> City and would like to talk to your doctor if you are happy with

> him/her.

>

> What kind of treatment are you using right now? I've been on Elavil

> and then Impramine 150 mg/day, estrace and biofeedback. They don't

> seem to be enough to recover significantly although biofeedback

> helped to decrease the pain. I also found that I have pelvic

> misalignment which may be the reason for not getting the right

level

> of results from biofeedback.

>

> Anyway, I am happy for you that you could get an answer to the main

> question: WHY???? Hope you'll get rid off your symptoms very soon.

>

> Love

> Irem