Not Producing Estrogen... Is it an Autoimmune Disorder?

[2Young4This]

I found out about 1.5 years ago that my body is not producing estrogen at all!!!  I have never been pregnant and I was diagnosed with AIH in 2004.  Are they connected?  I also have other diagnoses under my belt but I wont go into them unless asked.  Just curious...

[PlateletGal]

Along with getting a CT scan, I would also recommend having your corisol level checked. A cortisol level can give your physician a clue as to whether or not you are having problems with your adrenal and/or pituitary gland.

Best,

PlateletGal

[2Young4This]

I am definetly going to look into that.  I experience at least 7 of those symptoms.  When they say sexual dysfunction, do they mean no desire to have sex?  Because if thats true...uh-oh.  Thank-you for this information.

[2Young4This]

I have not been on Prednisone since '05'.  I have had the swelling unfortunately longer than that.  I do experience weakness.  I get really tired easily too.  If i dont have anything planned for my weekends I will sleep most of it away.  And at work I get tired easily in the afternoons.  

[nixh]

Hi

Have you had a head CT since you have not been producing estrogen. A tumor on the pituitary  gland can cause this to happen. Maybe read up on it and check if some of your other symptoms match.

Here is a link with some info
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pituitary-tumors/DS00533

Here are the symptoms:

Symptoms related to tumor pressure
Signs and symptoms of extraneous pressure from a pituitary tumor can include:

    * Headache
    * Vision loss, particularly loss of peripheral vision
    * Clear, watery nasal drainage
    * Nausea and vomiting
    * Seizures
    * Symptoms of pituitary hormone deficiency
    * Fatigue
    * Weakness
    * Cold intolerance
    * Constipation
    * Low blood pressure
    * Body hair loss
    * Sexual dysfunction
    * Unintended weight loss or gain

[PlateletGal]

I'm assuming that the Prednisone could cause your ankles and legs to swell. Once I was taking the steriod and my ankles were swollen.

You've been through a lot. Do you ever experience any weakness ??

[2Young4This]

I ran out of room... 1st biopsy showed R/L portal and lobular hepatitis.  3 out of 4 inflammation.  and bridging fibrosis.  3 yrs later had another biopsy.  Nothing changed.  put on stronger dose of Immuran and also put on Entocort.  Sorry if this seemed jumbled...  

[2Young4This]

Well, I was diagnosed with AIH in 2004.  I have had @ least 5 ruptured ovarian cysts.  I have a condition called Vulvadynia (SP?) I have been tested 4 Lupus @ least 3 times.  2 out of 3 the test was positive, but they R sticking w/the negative.  I m hypoglycemic.  I cant gain weight.  Although I did gain weight while I was on Prednisone.  70lbs. 2 B exact.  When I did lose the weight I lost it really fast. ( about 57lbs. in 45 days)  I M now steady @ 123.  I have had heart problems N the past.  I have a rash on my arms and legs - has never gone away.  Doctors dont seemed 2 concerned about it though.  Also my legs, ankles and feet swell.  Whether its hot or cold they swell.  I M starting 2 get dark spots on my legs where the blood vessels have popped.  I am not sure if this is normal, but I am only 29!  I have no children and would love 2 have some of my own someday.  I do get headaches alot.  They are not migraines, but everytime I have had a CT they come back clean.  Alot of the symptoms came after i was diagnosed.  The doctors believe i have had AIH longer than i was diagnosed.  My liver enzymes were never really elevated but enough 2 B concerned.  I have had 2 biopsies.  3 yrs apart.  

[PlateletGal]

Can you list all of your symptoms and your other diagnoses ?

TIA,

PlateletGal