Is there a correlation between recurring chalazions and stress?

[tearose]

Hi, my first chalazion occured after the stressful birth of my daughter who is a beautiful seven year old. Over time, it became very small. Then in October of 2007, two chalazions developed in my right eye. Then, in January three developed in my left lower eyelid. I had those chalazions removed recently. Thinking that I was out of the wood, I developed a chalazion in my right eyelid in the corner with swelling. The swelling went down but the chalazion is still there.  My doctor gave me anti inflammatory drops and it got better until I woke Wednesday morning with the right eye swollen again and tender to touch. I am a Educator who has been under a lot of stress this year and I was wondering if that had anything to do with it.


This discussion is related to Swollen Eye Lid.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Not stress, usually blepharitis.

JCH  III IMD

[karadavy]

I know it has been a long time since your post, but I wanted to comment in case you are still having trouble. I have been going through a very similar situation and recently came across some information about chronic blepharitis and low testosterone levels. (Yes, even women need a certain level of testosterone.) It would make sense in your case that the pregnancy/difficult labor could worsen hormone imbalance, as could other stressful situations. Have you ever had your hormone levels checked, including testosterone? If not, do it! Mine, like so many other women, was totally in the toilet. I've started bioidentical hormone replacement (much safer and without the side effects of the chemically created hormones) and am for the first time in two years hopeful that the mess with my eyelids is ending. Just make sure that testosterone is part of the regime (not just progesterone and estrogen, as increased estrogen without it will actually make the problem worse). Testosterone levels are directly linked to a keeping your meibomian glands functioning properly.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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