Endo Battery Fast Charged: EP 4

This episode is full of links that correlate endo, menopause, and "medical management" and possible links to oral health. 

Periodontal disease and endometriosis: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028207043841

Towards a Common Pathogenesis Periodontal Disease and Endometriosis
https://journals.lww.com/jhrs/fulltext/2018/11030/Towards_a_Common_Etiopathogenesis__Periodontal.10.aspx

Periodontal disease and women’s health
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03007995.2017.1297928

Association between periodontitis and endometriosis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1271351/full

Validity of the association between periodontitis and female infertility conditions: a concise review
https://rep.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/rep/160/3/REP-20-0176.xml

Tooth loss and skeletal bone density in healthy postmenopausal women
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01623233

Increased risk of tooth loss is related to bone loss at the whole body, hip, and spine
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00369206

Spinal Bone Density and Tooth Loss in a Cohort of Postmenopausal Women.
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A5%3A12768405/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A37703514&crl=c

Relationship between Early Menopause and Periodontal Disease in Korean Postmenopausal Women
https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201836256830466.page

Oral Health and Menopause: A Comprehensive Review on Current Knowledge and Associated Dental Management
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3793432/

Oral manifestations of menopause
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105216

The physiology, medical management and oral implications of menopause
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000281771464719X

The Effect of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Periodontal Disease in Men With Prostate Cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1934505/

Women fear drug they used to halt puberty led to health problems
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/women-fear-drug-they-used-to-halt-puberty-led-to-health-problems

Website endobattery.com

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Welcome to Endobattery Fast Charged, a series dedicated to keeping you informed and empowered in the realm of endometriosis. Teaming up with board-certified patient advocates, we bring you the latest articles, research and insights to equip you with accurate information and a deeper understanding. Whether you're expanding your knowledge, staying updated or seeking clarity, you're in the right place. I'm your host, alana, and this is Endobattery Fast Charged charging and empowering your life with knowledge. Welcome back to Endobattery Fast Charged. This episode is taking a slight detour from our usual flow as we dive into the intriguing correlation between endometriosis, menopause in all forms and medical management as it pertains to our periodontal struggles. Now why the sudden shift? Well, let's just say, recent personal dental woes sparked a curious connection in my mind, and when you're pondering correlations, there's no better person to turn to than Heather Goudon, a never-ending fountain of information and research. In my quest for understanding, heather not only provided a treasure trove of knowledge, but inadvertently became a mutual support system and brought to light the fact that there are many of us on the dental struggle bus. So consider this episode a heartfelt dedication to Heather and all my comrades navigating the dental woes. Now let's make one thing clear these articles aren't about pointing fingers at causation, but rather maybe, pointing out some correlations. That's our magic word for today, folks. So without further ado, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the fascinating world of our mouths. All right, buckle up for some dental and endo health talk. In our first highlighted piece, titled Paradontal Disease and Endometriosis Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, some scientists who were thinking outside the petri dish yay, decided to do some digging into whether your gums and your special body bits might be connected. They looked at a bunch of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, basically a treasure trove of health info from all around the US. So here's the lowdown on what they found. It seems like there might be a secret handshake between gum disease that's the fancy term for periodontal disease and endometriosis. Now, before you start thinking, your mouth and your peritoneum are best buds. It's not quite that cozy, but hey, it's intriguing. The researchers noticed that women who had gum disease were more likely to also have endometriosis. It's like they're in cahoots or something. So what's the deal with this odd pairing? Well, nobody's throwing a party just yet, because this doesn't mean your dentist will start asking about your period, but it does raise some interesting questions. Maybe there's something funky going on with inflammation that's causing trouble in both your gums and your body bits. Who knew your mouth and your ovaries could have such a chat behind your back, huh? But hey, it's all in the name of science, right? Similar to the last article, this article, titled Towards a Common Pathogenesis Paradontal Disease and Endometriosis, further points out the paradontal disease and endometriosis are in a friendly conversation in their AOL chat room called Unusual Friends. But don't go chasing waterfalls just yet, because this study still points to it still being in the dial-up mode.

Speaker 1: 3:17

Although this sounds like a promising link, the researchers are needing more chatty Cathy's in the mix so they can get more data to really suss it out. Think of it like this They've planted a seed of curiosity. Now they just need to water it with more research, bigger groups of people with endometriosis and see if the seed sprouts into a full-blown theory. So there you have it a little tidbit of scientific intrigue that might just make you look at your internal chat room a little differently. Another study looking at something a little differently is titled Paradontal Disease and Women's Health. So picture this You're lounging on your couch scrolling through articles and suddenly stumble upon this gem about paradontal disease and women's health.

Speaker 1: 4:00

Now you might think how can gums and gender possibly be related? Well, hold on to your toothbrush, because it turns out they might just be closer than we think. First off, let's talk about the nitty-gritty of the research. This article dives deep into the literature, dissecting the molecular and microbial factors driving periodontal disease, or PD, and certain systematic diseases that seem to have a soft spot for the ladies. Yep, you've heard that right. Women are apparently more prone to some systematic issues and seem like our oral health might have something to do with it.

Speaker 1: 4:31

Now here's where it gets interesting. The article suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene could be a secret weapon against the systematic diseases that tend to cozy up to women. As a disclaimer, this is not saying fluoride will cure endo, but this study points to it being a warrior in general systematic disease. Imagine that your toothpaste and floss becoming superheroes in the battle against health issues. It's like having a tiny army of plaque-fighting warriors defending your body. But wait, there's more. This isn't just about flashing a killer smile, although that's a nice bonus. It's about understanding how something as seemingly simple as oral health can play a role in overall well-being. So next time you're tempted to skip the brushing before bed. Remember you're not just fighting cavities, you're defending against an army of systematic diseases that have a thing for the ladies.

Speaker 1: 5:21

Another study that echoes much of what the first three say is titled the Association Between Paradontitis and Endometriosis a Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study. This is the same thought process and discovery as the first two articles, just a different study approach. The next publication, titled Validity of Association Between Paradontitis and Female Infertility Conditions a Concise Review, is a study that explores the potential link betweenidontitis and Female Infertility Conditions. A Concise Review is a study that explores the potential link between peridontitis, which is a severe gum infection, and female infertility. It begins by acknowledging that both peridontitis and infertility are complex conditions with multifactual causes. Then it delves into several studies that have investigated this association. Firstly, it highlights a study suggesting that the presence of periodontitis could increase the risk of certain conditions that contribute to infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, and endometriosis. The article explains that periodontitis may lead to systematic inflammation, which could negatively affect reproductive health. Moreover, it discusses how periodontitis may lead to systematic inflammation, which could negatively affect reproductive health. Moreover, it discusses how periodontitis-associated bacteria might enter the bloodstream and trigger immune response that could interfere with the reproductive system. However, the article also acknowledges that more research is needed to establish a casual relationship between periodontitis and female fertility conclusively. Overall, while there is some evidence suggesting a potential association between periodontitis and female infertility, further research is necessary to confirm this link and understand the underlying mechanisms fully. The article encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between periodontists and infertility specialists to explore this relationship further and develop a targeted intervention if needed.

Speaker 1: 7:10

All right, folks, brace yourself. These upcoming publications might be as endospecific as a pineapple at a pizza party, with no mention of surgical menopause in sight. But hey, whether you're cruising through perimenopause, back in the middle of menopause or got there with the surgeon's helping hand, we can all nod in solidarity at the hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats, am I right? Still, wouldn't it be interesting to see if these studies would sing a different tune if they included surgical menopause veterans? Let's just throw a wrench into the research gears and see what happens. I don't know. Nonetheless, these articles help point to why those of us in menopause jail struggle to chew taffy.

Speaker 1: 7:50

So imagine a bunch of post-menopausal ladies chilling out, sipping some tea, while suddenly someone brings up the topic of tooth loss and bone density. And no, it's not because they're swapping horror stories about dentures or anything. No, they're going to dive into some research, of course. In the article titled Tooth Loss and Skeletal Bone Density in Healthy Postmenopausal Women, scientists decided to take a peek into the connection between losing your pearly whites and the strength of your bones. They rounded up a group of lovely postmenopausal women.

Speaker 1: 8:22

Now here's where it gets interesting. They found that these ladies who bid farewell to their teeth had a bit of bone density dip in their spine and hips. It's like your teeth are secretly whispering to your bones saying, hey, let's all take a vacation together to the land of osteoporosis. Not exactly a dream vacation spot, but hold up. Before you start stockpiling toothpaste like it's the apocalypse, remember this. Correlation does not always mean causation. There's our key words for the day. So sure, maybe losing your teeth is linked to weaker bones, but it's not like your molars are secretly plotting against you. Maybe they're just telling you to lay off the jaw-breaking candy. So, ladies, keep those teeth brushed and bones strong, and maybe invest in some extra strength calcium toothpaste while you're at it.

Speaker 1: 9:10

This wasn't the only study to have thought-provoking findings when it comes to bone loss, hormonal changes and gum disease. The article titled Spinal Bone Density and Tooth Loss in a Cohort, postmenopausal Women had a different take In this study. They found that losing all your teeth doesn't necessarily mean your bones are going to follow suit. Total tooth loss wasn't directly linked to a lower bone density elsewhere in the body, like in the spine. So those who have said losing teeth make your bones weaker might need to chew on that idea a little bit more.

Speaker 1: 9:44

But what's thought-provoking is, while your pearly whites might not be the main concern, your gums might have something to say about your bone health. Yep, periodontal disease, that sneaky troublemaker causing havoc in your mouth, was actually associated with lower bone density in the spine. It's like your gums are sending a secret message to your bones, and they're not always good ones. So what's the takeaway here? Well, it might seem your teeth and your bones might be playing by different rules. Losing teeth doesn't automatically mean weaker bones, but keeping your gums healthy might just be the sneaky way to keep your spine strong. It's like a dental drama unfolding in the bone density department with a twist and turn you never saw coming. Who knew your mouth could have such a bone chilling impact on the rest of your body? In a similar approach, this study out of Korea, titled Relationship Between Early Menopause and Paradontal Disease in Korean Postmenopausal Women, while focused on Korean women, further validates previous findings. It underscores the correlation between dental health and bone health, reinforcing our understanding of these issues, but in due diligence.

Speaker 1: 10:52

I want to highlight the article titled Oral Health Implications of Menopause and the second titled Oral Health and Menopause a Comprehensive Review on Current Knowledge in Associated Dental Management. Both have similar outcomes and essentially reiterate that menopause and oral health are like a wild roller coaster ride for your mouth. Estrogen levels drop, causing dry mouth, gum disease and bone loss. But with regular dental checkups and a good oral hygiene, you can navigate this dental maze. Plus, there are dental treatments available to tackle these issues head-on, ensuring your smile stays healthy and vibrant. However, I'm not done yet. Did you people think I was done with teeth? No, we have so much research here. However, this next publication, titled Physiology, medical Management and Oral Implications of Menopause, takes it a step further and gives me so much personal validation. Let's unpack this fascinating article on menopause, takes it a step further and gives me so much personal validation.

Speaker 1: 11:47

Let's unpack this fascinating article on menopause and its dental implications. Imagine a dentist's office where they're not just checking teeth, but also considering the unique challenges faced by women entering menopause. It's like adding a whole new layer of dental care. As women navigating this phase of life, their bodies go through changes that can affect their oral health. Imagine if your mouth suddenly felt drier than the Sahara Desert. That's because menopause can lead to a decrease in saliva, making it harder to fight off dental issues like cavities. And speaking of cavities, they might become more common in menopause thanks to hormonal shifts.

Speaker 1: 12:25

But wait, there's more. Have you ever heard of dyschathia? Yeah, that's a word I'm likely not going to be saying again, but it's a funky sensation in your mouth that can happen during menopause. Taste alterations are on the menu too, making that favorite dish suddenly taste like cardboard, yikes. And let's not forget about the gums. They can become inflamed and sensitive, a condition known as atrophic gingivitis. It's like your gums throwing a tantrum during menopause, and then we throw the tantrum as well. Now here's where things get really interesting.

Speaker 1: 12:59

Dental exams can reveal clues about women's oral health during menopause. Have you ever heard of panoramic dental radiographs? They're like a secret window into your body's health. In some cases they might even show calcified, corroded artery arrhythmias basically signs of potential heart issues. It's like your teeth are trying to spill the beans about what's going on inside your body. So next time you're at the dentist's office, remember they're not just looking at your money-making smile, they're also keeping an eye out for signs of menopause-related dental woes. It's all about staying on top of your oral health even during life's trickiest transitions. Who knew that menopause could have such an impact on your smile? It's like a dental adventure with every hot flash.

Speaker 1: 13:43

So we've been delving deep into the dental dilemmas of folks battling endometriosis or marching towards menopause. Right, but hold on tight, because there's more crucial aspects that we can overlook the impact of medical management aka GnRH, agnus, drugs like Lupron or similar to that on our oral health. Now many of us have taken the plunge into the world of medical management for endo, perhaps without fully grasping the long-term effects it might have on our teeth and gums. Here's the thing While these last two studies don't necessarily focus on endometriosis patients, the underlying outcomes ring true for anyone encountering this medical management. And I use the word management because that's what it's considered, not because there's actual conclusive evidence that it manages anything. What it's considered, not because there's actual conclusive evidence that it manages anything. So, as we dive into this conversation, let's shine a light on how our treatment choices might be shaping our smiles for the long haul.

Speaker 1: 14:37

In this first study, titled the Effect of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Paradontal Disease in Men with Prostate Cancer, doesn't consider women, but the outcome is likely not gender-specific. However, researchers took a look at men with prostate cancer who are undergoing this treatment called androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT, and they're getting hit with a higher risk of periodontal disease. Now you might think wait, isn't ADT supposed to be helping these guys out? Well, sure, it's aimed to slow down the cancer by reducing the levels of male hormones, but it seems like it's also messing with their oral health on the side. Talk about a package deal you don't want to sign up for at the cancer clinic. And here's the thing.

Speaker 1: 15:18

While all this is going on, it seems like the dental world is just turning a blind eye, like they're all too busy worrying about men's issues with this Lupron thing to even notice that there's a whole dental crisis brewing in the background. It's like they're saying sorry, we're all booked up dealing with men's hormonal problems. Come back later when your gums are literally falling out. But seriously, imagine being a guy dealing with prostate cancer, trying to navigate the world of cancer treatments and then, bam, your dentist hits you with this. Oh, by the way, your dentist hits you with this. Oh, by the way, your gums are not doing so hot. Talk about an added insult to injury. It's like fighting a battle on two fronts, except one front is on your body and the other is on your mouth. Does this sound familiar with endo patients? So here's the deal. While everyone's busy focusing on men's issues with Lupron, maybe it's time to start paying a bit more attention to the whole picture, because last time I checked, gum disease doesn't discriminate based on which gender you identify with, and these guys dealing with prostate cancer deserve all the support they can get, both from their oncologist and their dentist. Let's not leave people hanging with a toothbrush and a prayer.

Speaker 1: 16:26

This last story I want to highlight takes a more personal approach, and this publication titled Woman Fear Drug they Used to Halt Puberty Led to Health Problems. It takes a look into the life of 30-year-old Charissa Derricott, whom for many years, had no idea why her body seemed to be failing. At 21, a surgeon replaced her deteriorated jaw joint. She's been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, her teeth are shedding enamel and cracking. This article not only highlights Charissa's story, but dives into the concerns surrounding the use of a drug called Lupron, particularly among women who were prescribed it during their adolescence to halt puberty.

Speaker 1: 17:09

Lupron, originally developed to treat prostate cancer, has been utilized off-label to pause puberty in children in conditions like gender dysphoria or pre-cocosis puberty, as well as being used for medical management for those with endometriosis. However, its long-term effects have sparked worry and debate among patients and medical professionals alike. One of the aspects that has raised eyebrows is the potential impact on oral health. Some individuals who underwent puberty suppression with Lupron have reported experiencing significant dental issues later on in life, such as tooth decay and loss, as well as jaw problems. This connection between Lupron and oral health problems has left many questioning the safety of the drug, seeking answers about its lasting consequences.

Speaker 1: 17:58

Amidst these concerns, personal stories add a poignant layer to the debate. One woman shares her experience of being prescribed Lupron as a teenager to manage her endometriosis. While it provided temporary relief from her symptoms, she later faced a cascade of health issues, including severe dental problems. Her story underscores the complexity of medical decisions made in adolescence and the need for more research into the long-term effects of drugs like Lupron. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence linking Lupron to specific health problems, the uncertainty surrounding its use has led to anxiety amongst patients.

Speaker 1: 18:33

Many women who were administered Lupron during their formative years now grapple with the worries about their future health and decisions made on their behalf. This uncertainty has prompted calls for more transparency from health healthcare providers about risks associated with puberty suppression and the re-evaluation of its widespread use. In response to these concerns, some medical professionals advocate for a cautious approach to prescribing Lupron, emphasizing the importance of informed consent through discussions about potential risks. Additionally, there is a growing demand for further research into the long-term effects of puberty suppression, including its impact on bone density, fertility and overall health. In conclusion, the use of Lupron to halt puberty in adolescents remains a contentious issue, with questions lingering about its safety and long-term consequences.

Speaker 1: 19:24

While providing temporary relief for some individuals with endometriosis, others worry about the potential risk it may pose, particularly concerning oral health and overall well-being. As discussions around puberty suppression continue, there is a pressing need for more comprehensive research and open dialect to ensure the best possible outcome for patients. So next time you think you're alone in all your dental woes, just remember that there is research that brings some correlations to the forefront, and that you're not alone in this journey. And remember, all the links to all these articles are on the description for this podcast, because the more you know, the better you can advocate. So until next time, continue advocating for you and for those that you love.