Pregnancy and fertility

Both olmesartan (Benicar)Medication taken regularly by patients on the Marshall Protocol for its ability to activate the Vitamin D Receptor. and minocyclineBacteriostatic antibiotic used by Marshall Protocol patients., the two mainstay medications of the MP, are contraindicated during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected in women on the MP, they must discontinue olmesartan (Benicar) as soon as possible. Also, minocycline hydrochloride, like other tetracycline-class antibiotics, can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

Women who are contemplating pregnancy should consult with their physicians about treating inflammatory disease first. Women with inflammatory disease who are already pregnant should do everything possible to keep the level of 1,25-DPrimary biologically active vitamin D hormone. Activates the vitamin D nuclear receptor. Produced by hydroxylation of 25-D. Also known as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcitirol. down. This means diligent avoidance of ingested vitamin D and exposure to sunlight/bright lights.

Production of 1,25-D is increased during pregnancy and may lead to disease exacerbation.

The following describes some of the effects of sarcoidosis on pregnancy:

• Women with sarcoidosis report feeling better when they are pregnant. Sarcoidosis involves a Th1-activated immune system response. The NF-kappaBA protein that stimulates the release of inflammatory cytokines in response to infection/IkappaB signaling pathway is down-regulated in T cells in pregnancy, shifting the immune system away from Th1 and toward a Th2 immune response.¹⁾ There are other factors to consider, especially vitamin D and sunlight exposure. These play a role in activation of NF-kappaB and the Th1 immune response.
• Pregnancy in women with sarcoidosis usually goes to term with no problems. Pregnant women diagnosed with sarcoidosis need to be aware, however, that some of the drug therapies (methotrexate, anti-malarials, Thalidomide, etc.) normally used for sarcoidosis are contraindicated in pregnancy. ²⁾
• Oral corticosteroidsA first-line treatment for a number of diseases. Corticosteroids work by slowing the innate immune response. This provides some patients with temporary symptom palliation but exacerbates the disease over the long-term by allowing chronic pathogens to proliferate. increase the risk of cleft palate.³⁾
• Regarding cesarian section versus vaginal delivery, consider that sarcoidosis inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue. is known to have an affinity for scar tissue.

Other chronic inflammatory diseases seem to exert similar harmful effects.

A man on the MP may be able to father children with a healthy female, however, bacteria causing Th1 disease can be transmitted during sexual contact and are transmissible to an ovum and/or a fetus.

The MP is a curative therapy. As the MP resolves inflammation, this healing will likely restore sexual capability and fertility. Any or all aspects of the MP, including avoiding vitamin D and sunlight/bright lights, may contribute to hormonal changes which lead to restoration of health and fertility in men or women.

Therefore, women of childbearing age who are on the MP are advised to use adequate birth control measures to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. These women should consult with their health care practitioners at each phase of the MP about contraceptive medication and the use of low-dose, pulsed antibiotics. It is important to prevent pregnancy during the MP.

One of the MP cohort had been infertile for 15 years, but became pregnant at age 45, 6 months after starting the MP. She stopped to deliver and wean the baby and is now back on the MP.

Trevor Marshall, PhD

I'm 54 years old and haven't had a period in two years and then had one in February. I am getting symptoms off and on of an impending cycle. Good thing I had my tubes tied years ago.

JudyBeauty