While browsing over at the ICA's website <www.ic-help.org>, I came across the following Q&A with Dr. Kristene Whitmore, one the the top IC experts in the U.S.:
"Q. Do hormones have anything to do with IC? Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) more likely to help or worsen IC symptoms?
A. Hormones do have an effect on IC symptoms. The exact roles of estrogen and progesterone are currently unknown. However, symptoms may be exacerbated by fluctuations in hormone levels. Continuous hormone replacement therapy or low dose oral contraceptive pills, which keep hormone concentrations of estrogen and progesterone constant, have been successful in treating endometriosis. Preliminary experience in our center indicates a >50% reduction in frequency, urgency, and pain in 9/10 IC patients that had a pre-menstrual flare in symptoms. A randomized controlled trial is pending. Post-menopausal IC patients tend to have a decrease in symptoms when given hormonal replacement therapy. Up to 80% of patients experience >50% decrease in IC symptoms during pregnancy that lasts up to 8 months following pregnancy."
Well, that's the first time I have heard an IC expert say that he or she definitely thinks that hormone therapy can help IC. I am going to try to contact Whitmore to find out what specific types of hormone therapy or low dose pills she recommends.
Any comments?
"Q. Do hormones have anything to do with IC? Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) more likely to help or worsen IC symptoms?
A. Hormones do have an effect on IC symptoms. The exact roles of estrogen and progesterone are currently unknown. However, symptoms may be exacerbated by fluctuations in hormone levels. Continuous hormone replacement therapy or low dose oral contraceptive pills, which keep hormone concentrations of estrogen and progesterone constant, have been successful in treating endometriosis. Preliminary experience in our center indicates a >50% reduction in frequency, urgency, and pain in 9/10 IC patients that had a pre-menstrual flare in symptoms. A randomized controlled trial is pending. Post-menopausal IC patients tend to have a decrease in symptoms when given hormonal replacement therapy. Up to 80% of patients experience >50% decrease in IC symptoms during pregnancy that lasts up to 8 months following pregnancy."
Well, that's the first time I have heard an IC expert say that he or she definitely thinks that hormone therapy can help IC. I am going to try to contact Whitmore to find out what specific types of hormone therapy or low dose pills she recommends.
Any comments?
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