Estrogen and its effects

Submitted by fc12 on September 17, 2009 - 7:04pm
Body: 

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post in so I'll move it if need be but I'm interested in others' experience with estrogen and its effect on prolapse.

I first discovered my POP on the return of my periods, 6 months after the birth of my second son. I breastfed for 16 weeks and he was then on formula. My menstrual cycle took 3 months or so to return after ceasing breastfeeding. While initally my POP was bad (to me) it soon stabilised and I seemed to forget about it. 3 months later, I felt it come back with a vengence. At the same time, my menstrual cycle, which had been very regular (every 28 days) since its return post partum, went haywire and my cycle was between 35 and 45 days for the next 4 or so months. At the same time, I could tell I wasn't ovulating, and my skin was perfect (it usually has bad moments during my cycle).

I then sought the help of my accupuncturist and kinesiologist who put me on some chinese herbs to regulate my period. It all worked and I could feel estrogen return to my body. My cycles regulated and I clearly ovulated. AT the same time, my POPs (which had been causing me physical pain and emotional trauma) felt considerably better. I was wondering why this was and it was only yesterday that I put the two together. That is, my body had begun producing estrogen again thanks to acupuncture and herbs and this positively impacted the sensation of my POPs.(Mind you, I had also been vigilantly embracing all WW principles - posture, DVD work out, diet etc)

I'm very interested to know whether the estrogen positively effects the sensation of POP. My physio says yes (she said my POPs were no worse - mild - but I may have been feeling them more because I had no estrogen in my body). I know, however, that the medical knowledge of PTs isn't always spot on so I'm interested to hear thoughts here.

I know many women ask about ceasing breastfeeding to encourage the return of estrogen and I am by no means encouraging or espousing this. IN fact, if POPs are helped by estrogen levels I think it even more encouraging for breastfeeding mothers - ie things will improve when baby naturally weans which is something to look forward to and can mean that breastfeeding can go on for as long as possible.

Anyway, these are just musings - that's all.

Cheers
Fc12

louiseds

September 17, 2009 - 10:59pm

Hi Fc12

Just wondering if you were using any form of contraception after the birth of your baby?

Louise

fc12

September 18, 2009 - 12:27am

Oh yes, you know that wonderful rhythm method which is easy but not quite as successful as one hopes! Comes close second to withdrawal!

No pill etc I don't take synthetic hormones. They don't agree with me.

fc12

louiseds

September 18, 2009 - 4:05am

Hi Fc12

I think it is quite possible that oestrogen makes POP feel better, because the vaginal tissues are no doubt plumper and wetter, so they absorb shocks better and are more stretchy and flexible.

At the other end of your reproductive life there seems to be folklore that says that POP often appears or worsens at menopause. If your theory is right, POP may indeed *feel* worse as menopause approaches, but still measure as the same. Most of us become aware of POP by either taking a peek, or feeling something low in the vagina. Maybe the vaginal dryness causes then uncomfortable sensation, whether during lactation or perimenopause. I think the dryness also conspires to prevent the uterus, bladder and rectum from resuming their correct positions after they have shifted downwards, as if the vaginal walls get stuck together and cannot move freely over each other. Lubricating the vulva and vagina seems to allow the organs to reposition better.

Make any sense?

Louise

fc12

September 18, 2009 - 5:27pm

Makes a lot of sense. I think this is important for some women in regards to setbacks. We tend to stress and panic (I know I definitely do) when we suffer setbacks because we are scared the prolapse just got even worse and is descending further towards the 'exit'. Here the distinction between sensation and severity/grade of prolapse may be important. Setbacks may be more about worsening of sensation of POPs rather than worsening of their physical manifestation. My POPs did not get worse during my last setback (even though I convinced myself that's what was happening with my mirror obsession) but my feeling and sensation of them deteriorated. I've now managed to fix that with various things including WW lifestyle and regulation of my menstrual cycles

I will remember this experience the next time I suffer a setback with POPs and hopefully it will help me get through the time with less panic and emotional distress. I will know that I will feel better wHen certain changes are implemented.

Thanks for your thoughts. Much appreciated and clarifying.

Cheers
fc12