Posted by Sonya (205.188.198.158) on October 27, 1999 at 21:56:29:
In Reply to: Testosterone Anyone? ( Provocative and slightly mindless ) posted by Jack Boyd on October 27, 1999 at 19:37:26:
I think there is definitely a connection there somewhere. I have posted before that I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. This is because my body produces too much androgen. If you have ever known a short overweight woman with excess facial hair and bad skin and no children, she probably has PCOS. That said, luckily I do not fall into the typical profile(except for being short and somewhat infertile). I am not saying excess testosterone is THE defining factor in clusters as this affliction is infinitely more complex than that but my opinion is stress,hormones,alcohol,lack of sleep,and poor nutrition affect clusters in some way. The bottom line is none of these things can affect or bring on a cluster in someone who doesn't have that elusive something that we all share. Also, the flashing lights and noise of slot machines can bring on an attack for me IF I'm already in the peak of a cycle. Another thing I have noticed is a lot of people have attacks on or right before vacation. It could be the time of year that most people tend to take vacations coincides with most cluster cycles but it could also be that the excitement(which is a form of stress as are all extreme emotions) of planning a trip or the pressure of tying up loose ends at work intensifies cluster pain. I used the word intensify because I do not believe emotions actually bring on attacks. Anyway, these are some of my thoughts on the subject. Anyone else?
PFD!!
Sonya