My theory on hormones...

nzdolphin · 23rd November 2007, 10:54 PM

I have found it quite distressing to never read anything about Rosacea going away so I asked the dermatologist this question: 'Why aren't there a whole lot of elderly people walking around with really bad subtype II (p&p) rosacea? He said because it eventually burns itself out. This is comforting!
My theory is that Rosacea has a lot to do with hormones (which are negatively affected by long term stress). A huge number of women seem to get rosacea at a hormonal time, i.e. after childbirth or entering the first stages of menopause. (Also, that time of the month is always the time my skin is at its worst). All these hormones settle down again later in life (and so it makes sense that Rosacea does too). Food for thought.
I had my hormones tested and found I was very low in progesterone. I've just started low dose of 'natural progesterone cream' to see if it helps balance things. It will take a few months to really know if it helps. I'm 45 and Rosacea came on after having my first (and only) child five years ago.

patty · 23rd November 2007, 11:42 PM

Hi nzdolphin!
I have been thinking the same way. I have had success with Oracea, a low dose doxycycline, but I will still get a small breakout around that "time of the month". I was just at the derm last week and asked about trying spirolactone, which is a mild diuretic, and testosterone blocker. She first wants me to see an endocronologist to have my hormones tested. But I'm seeing my gyno in a couple weeks and plan on running it by him before I see someone else. I would love to take my improvement with the antibiotic to another level.
Sounds like your derm is a good one. At least I like what he says!
Good luck with your progesterone cream and keep us posted on your progress!

Twickle Purple · 24th November 2007, 12:38 AM

Now that there is awareness that inflammation is really the killer behind many diseases, I think that folks with rosacea never grow to a good old age because we all die from the inflammation in our bodies. :evil:

Re the hormones, my rosacea hit after (surgical) menopause, many many years after (but, the hot flashes had never calmed down) so I'm not sure about the theory that we are better with age.

click here or here

Sorry, I'm being a downer here.

grace · 24th November 2007, 05:05 AM

My rosacea started at the onset of an early menopause (among other factors) so I do think hormones play a role. In my case, I think they helped to start the cascade - but it's my body's malfunctioning inflammatory response that took it from there and is causing the rapid progression.

Melissa W · 24th November 2007, 01:54 PM

I think it varies with the individual.

I see plenty of old(er) people with rosacea so I truly don't think rosacea "burns" itself out.

In some lucky individuals I'm sure remission occurs and they never have to deal with it again. Unfortunately, I believe that is the exception and not the rule. It most likely depends on what the cause of the rosacea is for that individual.

Hopefully the (not too distant) future will bring clearer explanations and more successful treatments. [-o<

All the best,
Melissa

nzdolphin · 25th November 2007, 02:59 AM

I don't believe I'll die from inflammation and therefore not be an elderly person walking around with rosacea. I'll be an elderly person walking around 'without' rosacea. I don't think I've ever seen an elderly person with p&p's (just broken veins that could be fixed by the good old fashioned laser for broken capillaries). I think, at the very latest, my rosacea will be gone post-menopause - hopefully a lot sooner!
Also, if some people go into remission (for ever) why is that not rosacea burning itself out? If there is no hope offered on this board, where does that leave us? Defeated and depressed. I for one am continuing to think outside the square. More surveys should be done to find out everyones backgrounds, age and suspected cause of onset, etc. I for one have olive skin, have never flushed or blushed, have never over-exposed my face to the sun because I used to get pigmentation in my 20's. So something triggered rosacea... for me, "my theory" is I had a baby (at almost 40) my progesterone levels dropped and never recovered (very common). Progesterone controls all the other hormones - even adrenal function, is anti-inflammatory, calming, etc. So who knows? Worth a shot. By the way, the progeterone cream I'm using is 'bio-identical' natural progesterone, not a synthetic progestin (which can do more harm than good.)

Twickle Purple · 25th November 2007, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nzdolphin

I don't think I've ever seen an elderly person with p&p's

Guess you didn't check the links... How bout this fella? click here

I've seen lots of old folks with Rosacea. I live in a retirement area, with the highest density over 70 in the country. Over 60% of the population are retired. The last party I went to was for an 80 year old and the youngest there was in their mid 70s, then there was me and my husband in our early 40s

We were the novelty act.

So, what you are claiming is like saying that just because you've never seen a red head that red heads don't exist.

nzdolphin · 25th November 2007, 06:00 AM

Boy aren't you the party-pooper! Yes, you probably will die of inflammation because you clearly 'believe' very strongly that that is your lot. I haven't made any 'claims', I've just offered my 'theory'.... just 'my' thoughts, in a positive, hopeful-of-a-solution way... nothing else. But you have to come in all negative and "prove" there are elderly people with rosacea. I didn't say there aren't any elderly people in the world with p&p rosacea. I just haven't seen any... but I recognise younger people with rosacea everywhere I go. Sorry twinklepurple... I'm just a bit more positive than you. Try mixing with a few younger people... it would do you good!

Twickle Purple · 25th November 2007, 07:08 AM

I responded to your post. You respond by attacking me personally.

You don't know me

perhaps you should calm down a bit and not comment on what you think people are and need.

Melissa W · 25th November 2007, 11:58 AM

Hi nzdolphin,

I understand how you are feeling. It is pretty awful when you are first diagnosed and you want to believe that there is a cure or somehow you can return to the way you were before. It's difficult to accept the new "normal".

But there is hope. Even if rosacea doesn't "burn" itself out (and believe me I hope and pray you are right and that it does) there are so many ways to manage it and live a great life.

So just because we don't agree with you about rosacea doesn't mean we aren't hopeful and cautiously optimistic. This board is about sharing info and support in a safe and positive way and also encouraging healthy debate and intellectual curiosity.

This board is not about taking our frustration with our current state of affairs out on others. Especially people who are so kind and helpful and thoughtful. I am sure you didn't mean what you wrote to TP and that you were just upset and frustrated. I understand because sometimes when I am so upset I might snap at my loved ones without meaning to. The difference here is that we aren't your family and don't want to deal with that.

So please, understand that you are very welcome here but only if you can manage your frustration and disagreement with others here in a more positive way. We are all dealing with rosacea and all have bad days. We haven't given up and know that there is a long way to go for a cure but also know that there is still a way to be happy with rosacea.

Sincerely,
Melissa