HRT

[Astra7]

Is there any relationship between Parkinson's and menopause? I guess not as so many men get it, but it seems to occur at the same time for many women. Have any females here taken HRT with any improvement in Parkinson's?

[oceanflower]

I experienced exactly what you described - becoming menopausal and experiencing my first hard-to-ignore symptoms of Parkinson's (age 50). I did some research right away, and found a study about estrogen being possibly neuroprotective. (I don't recall the exact words, but that was the gist). So, I did more research, this time, about the benefits of HRT - and discovered the results of studies were inconclusive. (50 -50, from what I recall) I figured, what have I got to lose? My doctor also said that doctor's thoughts about the dangers of HRT (more cancer) are not supported well. I started using them, mostly for menopausal night sweats, but started wondering if there were other truly beneficial things for Parkie's. I actually stayed on them for a couple of years, went off them because I wasn't sure if I needed them, then found I was sleeping poorly again, so went back on HRT in February, and have felt so much better ever since. Sleep is much better, and thus everything is easier. I would suggest talking it over with a doctor - maybe you will find benefits too.

Good luck!

"OceanFLower".

[akgirlsrock]

That's what I thought as soon as my period stopped tremor started in a matter of 2 months. I thought about trying natural hormones. If anything it would help with menopause.

[healthabc]

this is a great question, and one I have contemplated too. It seems my pd became undeniable as menopause began to set in, at age 48. the 2 occurred simultaneously, which is why I thought I had better wait on pd meds, to see what is going on with my body.Now, almost a year later, i take no meds, just lots of vitamins. They've helped with my menopause symptoms, less so with pd, but there is some benefit I believe. (not for my tremors though!) Its not a permanent solution, but I don't know what is....! I hope to see more responses from people who have taken HRT

[Beemacs]

I was dxed 12 years ago & in all our readings we have never seen or heard this before but the same thing happened that way for me. Could it be more than a coincidence? Maybe so. I never took HRT but I take PD ones.

[Motal]

Astral7. As you may be finding, not all HRTs are the same. You may want to check out bio-identical HRTs which (here in the US at least) are available only thru compounding pharmacies. Since these fomulas are put together at the pharmacy, they're more tweakable than the mass produced ones.

Here in the US they are pricier because submitting an actual formula for reimbursement brings on a systemic hot flash at the insurance company. Though I've had to pay out of pocket, it's been money well spent as the HRTs brought such relief, especially sleep wise. (Wow. A pause here to recall those days, way before the PD dx when that was my only health concern..)

(Ok, back to now.) My PD has brought on, among other things, a "sleep hygiene” challenge: I stay up way too late despite knowing how much better the days and my gait are after a decent night’s sleep. I take the HRT at night and while I see no evidence that it helps with the discipline of going to bed, when I do hit the bed I am dead asleep. Like that. For the record, 5-6 hours of straight sleep is a good might — I think being on one side for that long without so much as a toss or turn, is what wakes me.

Like #oceanflower, I've experimented with not taking HRT but find I am better off when I take it. As are those around me.

You are having to deal with a lot all at once. With the PD you have to piece things together for yourself. Rather than some cookie cutter thing you can take off the shelf, the best treatment is more like a compound drug - combining medication, exercise, diet, attitude - that you have to tailor to your own needs and symptoms. This site is a great help that way. Good luck.

[Littlerody]

I'm sorry somehow I deleted my very long detailed post. Yes it came on beginning of menopause age 45. Diagnose pd at age 52. Symptoms started at 50. I went from the pill at age 52 to prempro and am still on the .625 because when I lower it I have bad side effects one being the spasms which started a at 45 along with what I was diagnosed with as ibs. So yes I do believe in the case of women getting it around menopause is probably a biomarker for pd. And in my case it helps the pd somehow. Good luck and feel good. Feel free to ask anything you'd like. Judy

[Astra7 in reply to Littlerody]

My ages are exactly the same as yours. Diagnosed 3 months ago at 52, now realise I had symptons 2 years ago with first sign a few years earlier! Thanks for your reply.

[silvestrov]

Here is a related issue to menopause:

New UCLA study: hysterectomy increases brain’s iron levels

examiner.com/article/new-uc...

[Astra7 in reply to silvestrov]

The link won't work at the moment but I am wondering if this was caused by 2 iron transfusions I had around 5 years ago. I need to read more on this. Thanks for your reply.

[silvestrov in reply to Astra7]

I just opened the link and will post the same article from another source. Did the iron infusions predate your PD diagnosis? Why did you need them?

newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/...

[Astra7 in reply to silvestrov]

Iron transfusions were around 5 years ago and I was diagnosed 3 months ago but realise symptons started a few years ago. Transfusions due to pre menopause issues and iron was super low.

Thanks for article.

[silvestrov in reply to Astra7]

My pleasure. I have studied iron/PD allot because I am anemic and though I do not require transfusions I need to watch what I eat and take (gentle) iron supplements. It has been noted that PD patients often have an iron imbalance in their bodies, high iron in the brain and low iron in the body.

nutraingredients.com/Resear...

[Littlerody in reply to silvestrov]

Interesting read. I was borderline anemic most of my young menstrating years. Had to take stool softeners along with the iron. I balanced out somewhat after children. I was convinced the iron and stool softners over the years contributed to my horrible gut. Maybe it prompted the pd too who knows. Thanks and feel well Judy

[Motal in reply to silvestrov]

So... Should I shelve the cast iron skillet?