In the last article, I described how two types of hormones, estrogens and androgens, are important in rheumatoid arthritis.
Estrogens at normal (non-pregnant) levels enhance the type of immune responses that cause RA. Androgens suppress these responses. If you have normal levels of estrogens but don't have enough androgens, it is much harder for the body to stop the out of control immune responses that cause RA.
Photo by Wesley Fryer on Flickr.com
If this is true for you, hormone therapy may help. (To know if this is true, you will need to have a doctor check your estrogen and androgen levels.)
The major androgens in men are the sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Indeed, studies show that men with RA often experience an improvement in their RA when they take testosterone supplements.
The major androgens in women are dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). DHEA and DHEAS are made by the adrenal gland. When this gland is not functioning well it creates a condition known as adrenal fatigue. Many things can cause adrenal fatigue, most commonly high stress or bouts of chronic infection. The primary symptom of adrenal fatigue is a general sense of lethargy and enduring tiredness.
Several women have written me that treating adrenal fatigue was one of the critical factors in their recovery from RA.
I experienced adrenal fatigue after a bout with meningitis. I was given a product called AdrenaStim by my naturopathic doctor. It has worked wonders getting my DHEA levels back up to normal. I simply smeared a little of the cream behind my knees or inside my elbows three times a day. It is absorbed through the skin and is a gentle way to help restore adrenal function.
Because RA is a complex disease with many causes, only restoring the androgens to normal levels in the body and doing nothing else to treat your RA will not result in a cure. However, if low androgen levels are one of your contributing factors, bringing these levels back to normal is likely to result in an improvement in your condition.
All information in this article and on this website is for informational purposes only. See a doctor or other health care professional for actual treatment advice.
4 Comments On Hormone Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis,Part II
Dear Anamika, in order to pinpoint the type and degree of hormone imbalance may be present for you, it is important that you first go to a doctor who can measure the levels of the various androgens and estrogens in your body. Only then will your doctor know exactly what sort of treatment you need in order to bring your body back into a healthy hormonal balance.
Date : 14th Jun 2019 | By : Barbara Allan
Hi Barbara
I'm suffering from RA since 18 years.Now I'm 48.I always believed that my condition has something to do with my hormones as my RA started immediately after having my second child.Please guide me as to how I can start this Hormone treatment.I'll definately order the book right away.Thanks in advance.
Date : 14th Jun 2019 | By : Anamika Agarwal
I was diagnosed with RA approximately 2 years ago, but it took them about 3 months to determine that my pain was from this. It came on suddenly after taking a mega dose of Vitiamin D perscribed by my doctor because my level was low.
My struggles with pain and fatigue have never really gotten better and I would have to say is worse now than ever. I turn 50 this year and feel like I am 90. My Rheumatologist just wants to keep feeding more medications, which I am really not comfortable doing nor do I want that.
I recently switched to a family practioner that deals with Natural Bioidentical Hormone Therapy. She ran blood test on all my hormone and found that all of my levels were very low, some of them almost non existant. Because of this I have started on Bioidentical Hormone replacements last week and also started to take Armour Thyroid. I am really hoping to find relief as things begin to level off..
In researching I have found "you". I am going to order your book to read immediately .....
Date : 12th Jun 2013 | By : Marcie Webster
Hi Marcie,
I'm sorry to hear you have RA and that it is worse than ever. I glad that you have found my website and my Conquering Arthritis book. Please let me know if I can be of any more assistance to you. I pray that you are able to find everything you need to regain your health.
Date : 12th Jun 2013 | By : Barbara Allan
Follow Barbara Allan
Support
Book
This book provides practical, detailed information that is critical for the successful healing of arthritis, but that has never before been collected in one place.
Course
This 28 week course guides you step by doable step through the arthritis healing process. Barbara delivers the lessons by online video. You have a chance to ask questions after each lesson.
Meditation CDs
These are the meditations that helped Barbara Allan fully conquer her arthritis. They retrained her response to pain, providing deep physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing.
ALCAT Blood Test
The ALCAT test screens for inflammatory reactions triggered by over 350 common foods, food additives,molds, medications and chemicals in our environment. This test gives you a huge head start in your healing process.
Consultations
Speak directly with Barbara Allan for her help in personalizing her system to your specific needs and overcoming any obstacles you encounter on the path to healing.
One of Everything
The One of Everything package includes all of the support materials Barbara Allan offers. If you're ready for the whole enchilada, this is for you.
Forum
An online community of support for those healing their arthritis, food sensitivities, or other autoimmune diseases. Learn More
Blog
How is Barbara's health is now? She's doing fantastic, with no arthritis at all since 1999. She still enjoys cooking. This is where she shares her delicious recipes for curing arthritis. Learn More
Articles
Articles on arthritis and what it takes to heal it. A treasure drove of information. Learn More
