A Look at the Problems Women Face with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes

The inflammatory skin disorder hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is more common in women. Experts aren’t sure why. However, your immune system, environment, and lifestyle are all likely factors.

“And, of course, there’s a hormonal factor,” explains Dr Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Skin Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics. “Women with HS face unique challenges during events such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.”

Here are some things to remember.

Do you get Hidradenitis Suppurativa flare-ups during your period?

People usually tell Dr Adil that their menstrual flares occur the week before their menstruation begins. This is when estrogen and progesterone levels fall. According to studies, anywhere from 43% to 77% of menstruation people with HS experience premenstrual flares. But it’s unclear whether that dip is what sets it off.

Many questions remain unanswered. However, if you experience premenstrual symptoms, there are several options for managing your HS symptoms.

“Because there is a hormonal drive to menstrual HS flares, you can’t just treat it with an antibiotic or an immunomodulating or immunosuppressive medication,” Dr Adil explains. “You really need to get to the root of the problem.”

Thats where Ayurveda Medicines help, the side effects with oral birth control medicines or anti androgen tablets are completely avoided, as these are typically recommended by Allopathic doctors.

“Androgens are present in everyone. “Among these are male’ hormones like testosterone,” Dr Adil explains. “At the moment, we believe that blocking these androgens may be beneficial in preventing premenstrual HS flares.”

Menstrual pads may be painful if you have groin lesions. If that’s the case, Dr Adil suggests using tampons. 

Will My Hidradenitis Suppurativa Alter During Pregnancy?

It’s difficult to forecast how you’ll feel. According to studies, approximately one in every four patients with HS may see symptom improvement. Some people may feel better as a result of the increases in estrogen and progesterone levels that occur during pregnancy, according to experts.

However, most women’s disease activity remains stable or worsens throughout pregnancy. However, if you have active HS, you can and should seek pain and inflammation relief.

“Women should not feel like they have to suffer with severe HS during their pregnancy because they’re afraid to take anything,” Dr Adil explains.

Certain medications are not appropriate for pregnant women with HS. Dr Adil mentions tetracycline antibiotics and oral retinoids as examples. In addition to spironolactone and, of course, hormonal contraception.

Dr Adil recommends taking the herbal route with Ayurveda Medications which adds to the safety of the pregnancy as well. 

Dr Adil advises against large surgery during pregnancy, but certain minor treatments may be better. You should see your doctor about what is appropriate for you.

You are safer considering Herbal Ayurveda Treatment for HS.

Other factors to consider during pregnancy include:

1. Gaining weight. It is normal to gain weight while pregnant. Keep an eye out for excessive rubbing or friction in certain locations.
2. Breastfeeding. Although HS around your breasts may be unpleasant, it should not interfere with your baby’s ability to breastfeed. However, your doctor may advise you to treat certain lesions before giving birth.
3. Method of delivery. A vaginal birth may aggravate HS around your vulva. Consult your dermatologist and OB/GYN to see if a cesarian section (C-section) is a better option for you.
4. Postpartum depression. More HS symptoms are frequent after pregnancy. Keep an eye on your lesions and consult your doctor if they become worse.

What About Pelvic and Breast Exams?

You could have HS in your breasts, groin, or vulva. Some treatments, like mammography and Pap screenings, can be painful. It’s natural to desire to postpone these tests if you’re experiencing a flare.

First, inform your health care practitioner about the situation. They might wish to start with your active lesions. However, you should not put off certain health examinations. Your doctor can advise you on how to reduce pain before those treatments.

Is it possible for Hidradenitis Suppurativa to improve after menopause?

Experts used to believe that once women stopped menstruating, their HS would improve dramatically. However, research reveals that this is not the case. In fact, the majority of women experience no change or worsening of symptoms during menopause.

Dr Adil sees patients in their 50s and 60s with serious illnesses. She also encourages everyone with active HS, whatever of age, to continue seeing their doctor and following their treatment regimen.

 “At this time, we can say that HS is a chronic disease, and the earlier we treat it, the better,” Dr Adil explains. “I would not recommend that [people] wait to see if the disease will burn out on its own.” 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Sexual Health

You may be ashamed of your symptoms. However, it is critical that you feel safe with your personal relationships. Increase your sexual health by discussing your HS freely and honestly. If you’re unsure how to proceed, seek advice from a mental health expert.

A therapist can show you how to “make it really clear that these lesions are not contagious,” according to Dr Adil. “They aren’t an STD.” It’s an inflammatory condition.”

Condoms and lubrication may help reduce friction if lesions create pain during intercourse. However, finding a good long-term treatment to control your disease is the greatest approach to feel better.

“The goal is to minimize the number, severity, and duration of flares,” explains Dr Adil. “So [people with HS] can live life and have intimate relationships in the way that they want to.” 

Our Outlook –

Under one roof, we at EliteAyurveda Clinics have a panel of specialists in numerous dimensions of medical domains such as endocrine, autoimmune, gynecology, and so on. We are well-known for taking a multifaceted and root-cause approach to treating chronic and difficult-to-treat disorders.

Contact us to learn more.

According to Ayurveda, hidradenitis suppurativa is a cause of Kapha and Pitta dosha. When the digestive fire (Agni), or Pitta, is out of balance, the Kapha Dosha becomes vitiated, which slows down metabolism. Due to the disruption of fat molecules, they start to build up in muscles and impede bodily passageways, causing painful, swollen sores in the groin, buttocks, thighs, and armpits.

In Ayurveda, hidradenitis suppurativa Treatment is to restore the body’s natural equilibrium by detoxifying it with potent herbal therapies. 

The treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa at Elite Ayurveda comprises balancing the Kapha and Pitta doshas, as well as providing harmony to the metabolism. The treatment comprises body detoxification, internal drugs to balance doshas, and external applications to heal scars.

The treatment involves combinations of herbs created based on individual Prakruti and Vikruti analysis. Visit our website to know more

Connect with us to get our patient testimonials and also to speak with our patients directly about their experience in getting their disease treated by us and by Ayurveda as a whole.

Medically reviewed by Dr Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda Clinics. With over 15 years of experience in treating Neurological, Skin & Autoimmune Diseases.

Related-

Know More About Ayurveda Treatments for Hidradenitis Suppurativa.