Do I have to wait until I finish the hydrocortisone therapy to restart the progesterone therapy?
Hi Catherine,
I have a complicated situation where I have had a pituarity tumor removed, hysterectomy for adenmyosis and left ovary removed for endometriosis/adhesions. I am currently on hydrocortisone 4mg(started on 8mg)but am weening off and can not tolerate the progesterone therapy, but until finging your site understand why.
I have so much fluid retention, ovulation pain, PMS- breast pain, migraines, irritable, severe muscle stiffness and joint pain, just to name a few. Do I have to wait until I finish the hydrocortisone therapy to restart the progesterone therapy? I am only 34yrs old and am really having a rough time!?!
The worst condition/symptom is the muscle stiffness and joint pain- haven’t been able to drive my car. Your comments would be appreciated and thoughts. Desperate for info!
Many thanks,
Annie
Dear Annie,
Sounds like a lot going on. Though hormonally, you can see alot of what you are seeing, the pituitary (and thus or hormonal problems from that, ie adrenal, and thyroid, to name two) can also lead to much of the problem that you have been having. Let me address some symptomatic relief but also address hormonal thoughts.
The edema or swelling can be (and usually is) a side effect of the hydrocortisone. That will make the body retain salt, which makes you retain fluid. The good thing is that most of this will go away when the cortisol levels get more normal. It IS worrisome that you are having such a tough time with aches and pains, especially with the hydrocortisone “on board” as that usually takes away the pain from the musculoskeletal system, especially if it is coming from inflammation.
The pituitary gland makes the “releasing factors” that make the other endocrine glands release their hormones. Like the thyroid, and adrenal gland. Like the ovaries, etc. Since it has been surgically traumatized, these levels should be checked by your doctor, to see just what is “out of whack”. Zava labs saliva tests can also look at some of these levels. The nice thing about checking the levels is it gives you a chance to see EXACTLY what is missing or low. Then you can adjust accordingly. Are you totally at your doctor’s mercy. No. There are many natural elements that can serve as precursors for some of these hormones and you can stimulate secretion by using some of them.
The progesterone therapy is really important for you, as much of your problems have been triggered by things that are nicely treated by the progesterone.(ie., endometriosis, PMS, etc.) There are some natural approaches to your ailments, but with the pituitary being the centerpiece of some of this, you may want to address some of them more urgently, and get to feeling better. For example, the fluid retention. Getting that minimized will help you feel better, and much less achey. A mild diuretic, or the diuretic spironolactone work nicely. Spironolactone actually has been used in the past for treatment of menstrual fluid gains, PMS, etc.
Once the pituitary functioning is stabilized, and the various other members of the endocrine system are stabilized, and the hormone levels are checked and adjusted, I really feel that 90% of your difficulties will be gone. If not, let us know what remains, and we will get you more information, and more specific treatment information.
Best regards
Dr P
Robert W. Patterson, MD is a family GP of 25 years, and resides in Sanford, NC in the US. He talks to local and area groups about NHRT. He truly enjoys working with his patients in trying to derive an individualized solution to their hormonal problems. Dr Bob “studied” with Dr. Lee (before his death) and also with Dr. Zava. He has been to numerous lectures by Dr. Lee, including to a week long series (at sea) about 18 months ago (Cruise to Alaska) that included Dr. Zava. Dr Bob has attended numerous talks at the PCCA (compounding phamacists). He’s also had a chance to spend time with Dr. Jonathan Wright (Mr. Natural Estrogen).
