New targets for treating pain in women possibly found

Very interesting article today from HealthJockey.com ----- a research study done at SUNY (State University of NY----my alma mater) Downstate indicates that hormone levels are likely to affect the efficacy and effect of some pain medications. Some of the article is a little technical, but the take home message is that in post menopausal women (who are depleted of hormones) may not get the full benefit of some pain medications. This is something to talk to your doctor about (I plan on taking this article in to my pain managment doctor next month for a further explanation----he's a great patient educator). Another important point-----make sure EVERY doctor treating you knows exactly what medications, HORMONES, and supplements you are taking-----I get almost hysterical when a woman tells me that she is getting her hormones (bioidentically) balanced, but she isn't planning to tell her gynocologist and/or primary care provider that she's taking them because she doesn't "want the hassle". Nuh, uh---not acceptable, and possibly dangerous.