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Hormone Replacement Therapy and IBD

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/12/2021 1:16 PM (GMT -6)
Hello,

Sooo, Ive been doing everything possible to address this current flare I've been in for 6+ months. One suggestion I had was to get my hormone levels checked...

I went and got blood work done and sure enough I had all kinds of stuff out of whack. My adrenals, cortisol levels, thyroid and testosterone. After consulting with this doctor and doing my own research, I decided to start testosterone therapy. Obviously in Men this is a super important hormone. I found a couple studies where hormone replacement therapy was used to treat IBD, with really positive results. (My doctor is talking colectomy if remicade fails, so I'm trying everything)

After 4 weeks on testosterone therapy I'm feeling mentally WAY better. Physically I've been able to ween down to 10mg of prednisone for the first time in 6 months. (I should say that I also started remicade last week and I take qing di, so I can't credit everything to the hormone replacement for sure.) What I can tell you is that it has improved my mental state significantly, which is one of my biggest struggles dealing with UC. I've always attached a stigma to testosterone therapy but I had to get over that. I'm 38 and had levels of a 90 year old Man.

I thought I would throw this out there to see if any of you have looked into this. Also to share what possibly could help in assisting any of us to feel better, whether mentally or physically. There's some good studies on this topic...

Thanks!
Posted 4/12/2021 1:25 PM (GMT -6)
Interesting you just posted this. I have read about that a bit recently too, and I asked a naturopath and she said she didn't see any co-relation so I never got tested. However, I have to believe our T levels are probably affected with IBD anyways and have read some articles suggesting a link.
I'm interested in how your progress goes as it may be something worth looking into myself. I mean I would think if levels are low, then topping up shouldn't do any harm if monitored correctly?

I'll admit I know very little about this, but am interested.
Posted 4/12/2021 1:37 PM (GMT -6)
I will definitely keep you posted.

I know the study I read about was in Germany and Syria with 92 Men over a 7 year period. I believe all saw a significant improvement over the 7 year trial.

Also from what I've read, it appears that once hormone levels are balanced, inflammation in the body begins improving. This begins around the 3-6 week period and then continues to get better. It also states that it improves your chances of avoiding osteoporosis. I know that I'm feeling much better mentally, and physically I have a lot more energy.

They will check my levels every 6 months to make sure things are where they are supposed to be. Apparently people with IBD specifically are prone to major hormone imbalances, which could be causing inflammation.

Post Edited (UCinsouthfl) : 4/12/2021 1:55:06 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/12/2021 2:49 PM (GMT -6)
I think I might look into more again just to see. Even if hormones out of whack contribute to or are caused by IBD, anything to bring us around to levels we need to be at seems to be a positive.

Maybe even just to test myself out of curiosity.
So many things contribute to low T too like stress and lack of sleep which we know IBD can cause.

Def keep me posted. Positive to hear it is helping. Even feeling better mentally can help ibd too... whole body is connected.
Posted 4/12/2021 2:55 PM (GMT -6)
Interesting. I wonder how women are affected.

Have you tried other biologics besides remicade? There are several others plus Xeljanz. You should start to see some improvements on remicade by your 3rd infusion but remission may take a while longer.
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