Doxycycline

[Cindy]

In Dec. 2003 I tried doxycycline, 100mg twice a day, in an effort to help get my meibomian glands functioning more easily by thinning the oil secretions (which is what the doxy is supposed to do). I used it for 3 months. I saw no appreciable change pro or con in my comfort.

I had concerns about being on an anti-biotic for that length of time so I stopped using it (with my doctor's knowledge).

[dianat]

I also saw no change with the doxycycline. I cannot recall my dosage. I stuck with it for quite some time...maybe two, three months. I also had some problems with some er, uh...side effects...a typical curse of the antibiotic.

[katia]

Doxy and more questions

I am one more reporting no improvement with Doxy after 2 months. My ophtalmo had me stop it telling me my blepharatis was not severe anyway. I continue the massages lid scrubs etc.. 3 times a day.
my other question is. I am trying to test for all the things that can cause MGD, Had a test done this week to check my thyroid. The ophtalmo thought maybe this was the reason. NO, the test turned out showing normal thyroid.


Now I would like to check my hormones levels to see if I may be getting close to menaupose as it is listed as a main reason for MGD... I am probaly 4 to 6 years away from menaupose but it may be worth checking????? What king of tests should I request??? did anyboday had some of those done???

[calli66]

Hi Katia
One preliminary test is the FSH--follicle stimulating hormone levels. If they're high-above 100, say--that means your body is nearing menopause; the ovaries are trying to release "eggs" but having a hard time of it.

Other than that, you can have your doctor request a blood profile with hormone levels--estrogen, testosterone, etc. Not really sure how these relate to menopause levels, though, or to dry eye.

But as for myself, my dry eye became more unmanageable during menopause. I question the hormone levels, of course, but I have added Actonel, Fosamax, and Evista to my meds at various times over the last 5 years--and of course, lots of calcium citrate supplements for my osteopenia. I wonder what effect all those have.

C66