Lichen Sclerosis

by Wendy
(Saskatoon, SK Canada)

I have Lichen Sclerosis. After doing some research I am convinced that is it from a hormonal imbalance.

There is not a lot known about LS. I ordered some of your cream and am hoping that it will help or even cure my LS. I read a previous letter from a woman who drank soy milk.....which is full of oestrogen......why is your progesterone different if it's made from soy?

Any advice about LS would be appreciated. Thanks.

Comments for
Lichen Sclerosis

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Nov 14, 2011
 interested
by: Anonymous

I would be interested in Progesterone Therapy for lichen schlerosis also.
Nov 16, 2011
 Lichen Sclerosis
by: Wray

Hi Wendy LS could well be an hormonal issue. The cause is unknown, as you're probably aware, some think it could be genetic, some an autoimmune problem. It is more common in women, and more common after menopause, which makes me suspect a lack of progesterone, excess oestrogen. Higher levels of free testosterone have been found too. Treatments tried have been topical testosterone, which has shown no benefit, topical progesterone, a slight benefit, corticosteroids which seems the favoured treatment, photodynamic therapy see here. Plus phototherapy, ie UV light which ultimately makes vitamin D3, and calcitriol, which is a potent natural hormone derived from vitamin D3. Both phototherapy and calcitriol have shown remission of symptoms. Progesterone can help in some cases, but not hugely it seems, see here. Quite possibly the strength of cream used was insufficient, in the study above it was 2% progesterone. And if it was only used in the vulva region, far too little would have been applied. I recommend 100-200mg/day, it would be impossible to get this via a daily or twice daily vulva application. So please apply it at least twice a day to the vulva, and internally in the vagina. The remainder on other areas of the body. I also suggest you use the higher amount, ie 200mg/day if possible. Progesterone is an anti-inflammatory, so should give some relief. I also suspect a vitamin D deficiency, please have a test done. Most of us have far too low a level, and the older we get the less we absorb from the sun. Vitamin D affects every cell, it prevents hyperkeratosis and it's an anti-inflammatory. It's excellent for other skin problems. For more info on testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. And the minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. i've run out of space so will start a new comment below. Take care Wray
Nov 16, 2011
 Lichen Sclerosis
by: Wray

Hi Wendy The phototherapy and calcitriol treatments yielded remission of symptoms. Both these treatments require specialised personnel, but vitamin D is readily available and cheap. I would suggest taking a minimum of 5,000iu's per day, possibly 10,000iu's if you find your level low. I make a vitamin D skin cream which I've found very helpful for inflammatory skin problems. As an idea, you could get some vitamin D, open a capsule, add the contents to the progesterone cream, and rub that on. I would be interested to hear if it helps you. It certainly won't harm. This is another paper giving a general view and treatment options on Lichen sclerosus. One interesting fact, a lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone. Take care Wray

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