1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Lichen Sclerosus

Causes of Lichen Sclerosus?

Posted , 33 users are following.

marey
marey

What do you think caused your condition? 

Any ideas, theories, inklings? A complete brainstorm opportunity.... 

4 likes, 122 replies

122 Replies

Prev
  • AmyH54321
    AmyH54321 marey

    Posted

    No issues until after tubal ligation.  Symptoms began less than 2 years after.  
  • sue162
    sue162 marey

    Posted

    I can only go on myself and belief emotional trauma has been to blame.  I have never had it before but since I'm still grieving after a year I now have Hailey Hailey disease as well as well as my hair has stopped growing.  I think emotional stress does as much damage and as I smoked all day 

  • sue162
    sue162 marey

    Posted

    Sorry iPad corrected as if I smoked cigarettes all day of which I don't.

     

  • Metta
    Metta marey

    Posted

    Greetings everyone,

    I've been hypothyroid most of my adult life but a few years ago I became extremely hypothyroid, to the point where I had 100 times the normal level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). This was such a severe case that an MRI showed my pituitary gland had enlarged to the size of a cherry and covered over my visual nerves (it was producing an inordinate amount of TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland). Had I not discovered this by way of an x-ray for a concussion, I would have gone blind and possibly died. Luckily, a neuro-endocrinologist got involved and started me on a low dose of synthroid, which he gradually increased over about a year and a half. The most recent MRI shows that my pituitary gland is back to normal and my visual nerves are completely visible again. But apparently, I am not out of the woods. Just before my TSH levels had reached the normal range again (although still on the high end), I was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus. I must also report that throughout the severe hypothyroid situation, I was also breastfeeding and starting menopause. (I had a baby later in life.) So for me, I believe it was a combination of severe hypothyroidism and low estrogen due to menopause and lactation. Definitely hormonal. Let's just hope there aren't more diagnoses to follow. I have gleaned that the period of time during which my TSH levels were so incredibly high was very bad for my body.

    • hanny32508
      hanny32508 Metta

      Posted

      You went through a whole lot.  Hormones up side down, somehow.  A very complicated situation.  Are you still breastfeeding?  Are you on hormone replacement next to Synthroid?  Is your thyroid now in balance?

      ?Interesting to learn about the pituitary gland.  I'm familiar with it to affect your eye sight.  But that all comes back luckily, after medication.  I don't know what other damage could have been done.  Unfortunately time will tell. 

      ?Just hoping you find some comfort in my responding. 

    • Metta
      Metta hanny32508

      Posted

      I do appreciate your response, thank you. I know this thread is a few years old, but it speaks so directly to LS that I thought I would write something just in case anyone was still out there...

      Yes, I am still breastfeeding and no, I am not on hormone replacement. I have wondered about this as a possibility, however, since low estrogen seems to be associated with a number of problems. Would you happen to know if there is a test for estrogen level?

      My TSH is now in the normal range, although at the high end. I am still having regular blood tests to keep tabs on that.

    • hanny32508
      hanny32508 Metta

      Posted

      I'm not a doctor and don't know whether there are tests for estrogen level.  Good to know that your TSH level is in the normal range, that helps. 

      ?As far as the hormone replacement, I think I would wait till breastfeeding is done and see how all balances out, so to speak.  Pregnancies and breastfeeding after have an affect on the hormones, I know that much.  And it takes some time for all to get back to 'normal'. 

      ?Meanwhile your LS might be helped with regular baking soda baths. (1/3 cup in a full bath) and rinses after most bathroom visits (three pinches in a Perin bottle)  O, and don't forget your diet - cut out sugar as much as you can.  For many it brings relieve. 

  • jayem8
    jayem8 marey

    Posted

    Hi everyone

    I was diagnosed two days ago. I can honestly say that my immune system is to blame. In my late twenties i had an overactive thyroid. My thirties gave me rheumatoid arthritis & my forties, pernicious anaemia. So far, in my fifties, i've developed haemolytic anaemia which resulted in surgery to remove my spleen in 2016 & now LS. Hopefully this will be the last thing that it throws at me. biggrin

  • martyanner
    martyanner marey

    Posted

    Incontinence and having to wear a pad daily

    A certain brand of pads irritated so I don't use anymore but did use them for months until I figured out they were part of the problem

    Baby powder

    Poor diet

    ?Stress

    Low Thyroid

    Low minerals

    I'll think more about it

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.