Generally, there is rarely any differentiation between characteristics and treatments for male and female patients with Polycystic Kidney Disease. However, with the progress of PKD, women who have this disease are more likely to have irregular periods. Do you know why?
In the early stage, all kidney cysts are kept in the small size and don’t attack the kidneys, so patients don’t have problems of menstrual periods. There is, however, irregular period a women has to deal with, when their kidney function is affected by enlarged kidney cysts.
As introduced by doctors, two conditions can result in irregular periods for PKD patients.
1. Buildup of waste products and toxins: Filtering blood is the main kidney function. When kidney functioning tissues are replaced by enlarged kidney cysts, more and more waste products and toxins will deposit in the blood. The high level of these harmful substances can prevent the production of egg and disturb menstrual periods.
2. Renal anemia: As we know, another important kidney function is to produce erythropoietin (EPO) which can stimulate the body to produce blood cells. When kidneys fail to make this hormone, the blood cell count will decline and renal anemia occurs easily. Then, lack of red blood cells in the body can induce irregular periods. This is why some women with PKD find their periods is improved to some extent with erythropoietin treatment.
No matter which is the direct cause, kidney damage caused by expanded kidney cyst is the root cause. Therefore, in addition to managing the direct cause like cleansing the blood and treating anemia, patients should also seek some therapies that can help shrink PKD kidney cysts and protect kidney function. Have you found such an effective treatment? If not, we are glad to help.