Table of Contents

What are the primary symptoms of lichen sclerosus?
What causes lichen sclerosus?
How is lichen sclerosus diagnosed?
What are the treatment options for lichen sclerosus?
What should I do if I think I have lichen sclerosus?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as treatment for lichen sclerous?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as treatment for lichen sclerous?

What are the primary symptoms of lichen sclerosus?

The symptoms of lichen sclerosus can vary but often include white, patchy skin that's thinner than normal. These patches can cause itching, discomfort, pain, and bleeding, especially in the genital and anal regions. In severe cases, it may lead to scarring, which can cause problems with urination or sexual intercourse.

What causes lichen sclerosus?

The cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown, but it's thought to be related to an overactive immune system and hormonal imbalances. There's also a potential genetic component, as it can run in families. Women, particularly those who are postmenopausal, are at a higher risk, but it can affect anyone at any age.

How is lichen sclerosus diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a careful examination of the affected areas by a healthcare provider. A biopsy, where a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

What are the treatment options for lichen sclerosus?

While there's no cure for lichen sclerosus, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and prevent progression. The main treatment is topical corticosteroids, particularly potent ones, which can reduce inflammation and itching. Other options may include hormone therapy.

Because of the idea that this condition might be the result of hormonal changes, we often discuss hormone replacement therapy with women as a possible treatment option for lichen sclerosus.

Platelet rich plasma is another treatment option that can help lichen sclerosis as it brings the development of new tissue to the area of discomfort.‍

What should I do if I think I have lichen sclerosus?

If you suspect you have lichen sclerosus, it's important to consult a healthcare provider, ideally a gynecologist or a woman’s health provider, for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life.

Let’s discuss in more detail our two treatment options that we believe will help you:

● Bioidentical (human identical) hormone replacement therapy
● Platelet rich plasma (PRP).

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as treatment for lichen sclerous?

Bioidentical hormones are compounds manufactured in a laboratory to chemically match the hormones naturally produced by the human body, primarily estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Unlike conventional hormone therapies, which may use synthetic or animal-derived hormones, bioidentical hormones aim to offer a more natural hormone replacement option.

What are the benefits of bioidentical hormones?

The primary advantage of bioidentical hormones is their chemical similarity to the body's natural hormones, which may lead to a reduction in side effects for some women. Advocates for BHRT argue that this can result in a more efficient and natural way to alleviate menopause symptoms and restore hormonal balance. Additionally, BHRT can be customized to fit the specific hormonal needs of each individual, potentially offering a more precise treatment method.

What method of BHRT do we use at Epiphany?

At Epiphany women’s health, we use pellet therapy to administer BHRT. We believe that the pellets offer the safest and most reliable mode of treatment. Oral medication, patches, and creams can cause damage to the liver and often cause rollercoaster like symptoms because their release of the hormones are not consistent. Pellet therapy offers slow release at a consistent rate.

Next steps...

We would love to discuss your condition and our treatment options in more detail with you. We are conveniently located in Peoria, IL and Fairhope, AL. We are here to get you back on top of your game and living your best life.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward treating urinary incontinence, please book an appointment online.

Always consult a healthcare professional for the most current information and personalized advice.