Hormones and pain

[Guest guest]

I will say it again and again.....I believe HORMONAL BALANCE is KEY for our healing.If you have chronic pain, please find a doctor to work with who will take the hormone issue seriously.http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/23153/57450/hormones

Never Underestimate the Power of Hormones. Hormones

are powerful, little messengers that run the entire body. As such,

these messages can also feed into pain and suffering. Hormonal

imbalance may go unnoticed when one has chronic conditions like

erectile dysfunction, depression, pain, anxiety, or insomnia.

Doctors need to stay vigilant in case the root of any or all of these

problems is a hormonal imbalance. The problem with having medications

that only mask a symptom is that everyone stops looking for the real

problem, the root of the problem. Let's examine some common hormonal

imbalances that can affect those with chronic pain.

Thyroid

The thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland that sits in

the front of the throat. This hormone is important for heart and lung

function, muscle and nerve function, metabolism and gut motility. With

such wide-spread importance, imbalances of the thyroid hormone can

masquerade as many problems including: depression, menopause, insomnia,

pain, and even psychosis. In fact, imbalances are so common and can be

so difficult to recognize, it is recommended that everyone over the age

of 35 get their TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) checked every five

years. TSH is the signal from the mother gland, the pituitary gland,

which tells the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormone. But, the TSH

level only tells half the thyroid story. An attentive doctor will also

check the Free T4 level to make sure that the TSH signal is appropriate

relative to the amount of thyroid hormone available. Thyroid

imbalances are missed if both the TSH and Free T4 are

not monitor. Do not accept the answer, "Your thyroid is fine". Make

sure that both tests are within normal range and that

the levels are normal relative to each other. Relative to each other

means that both should not be low. If one is low, then the other should

be high. Because of this proportional relationship, the so-called

reference ranges can be misleading especially when monitoring thyroid

function. Rushed doctors can be easily mislead and miss thyroid

imbalances.

Testosterone

The testosterone hormone is important in both men and women for

growth, libido, and energy levels. Many areas of the body produce

testosterone including the testes, ovaries, and adrenal gland. People

taking pain medications should be aware that abnormally low

testosterone levels are commonly associated with the long term use of

opioid medications. Testosterone deficiency leads to impotence,

decreased libido, and low energy. Normally, the testosterone levels are

measured as "Total Testosterone" levels. Both men and women have

different normal ranges which vary by age (Adult male 300-1000 ng/dl,

Adult female 30-70 ng/dl). Because the so-called "normal" range is

large, an individual's symptoms should also come into play. "Normal"

should also be relative to how you feel as an individual.

Estrogen

Estrogen is not only responsible for reproduction, but it also has a

role in bone health, skin health, and cardiovascular health. However,

estrogen also has a dark side because it is linked to cancer, dementia,

strokes and pain. Many women who have pain are also experiencing

changes of the estrogen level--menopause. During menopause, estrogen

levels fall along with progesterone and testosterone. As estrogen

levels decline, thyroid levels will follow because estrogen effects

thyroid hormone production. See how everything is connected? So, how

does estrogen connect to chronic pain? Well, artificially elevated

levels of estrogen like found with hormone replacement therapy and oral

contraception are strongly linked to joint pain. Women who use these

hormone products are more likely to experience spinal pain for example.

Estrogen has also been linked to arthritis. Using estrogen is like

adding fuel to the painful fire. Estrogen is not a

no-risk fountain of youth. (Please also see the article about the link

between brain shrinkage and hormone replacement therapy on the

Alzheimer site www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/62/56374/replacement). Thus, estrogen-containing hormone products should not be used for indefinite periods of time.Attention Women With Insomnia: Many experts

believe that sleep disruption is the precursor to depression, anxiety,

and pain. Hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone have been

directly linked to insomnia. Low dose, short duration HRT (or herbal

supplements like soy products and black cohosh) may be needed to

restore healthy sleep.

In conclusion, our bodies are a sea of hormones

which, although small in size, pack a mighty punch and run the entire

show. For women, hormonal fluctuations are natural and do not

necessarily cause major, debilitating problems. However, if someone is

experiencing hormonal imbalances, chronic conditions are highly likely,

including pain. Everyone needs to empower themselves with the knowledge

necessary to recognize the warning signs of hormones gone astray. Oprah

is leading the cause with her own testimonial about her hormonal

imbalances that went unnoticed for some time. She has recruited experts

in the field to offer advice and her February issue of O will feature this issue. You can also see her website http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow_20090114_bioidentical

for more information. Women's health and hormones are finally gaining

the spotlight that they deserve. Please take the time to do your own

investigation because you should never underestimate the power of health education or hormones.