What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are essentially swollen blood vessels in the rectal area—think of them like varicose veins, but… a little less glamorous. They can develop inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or just under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). When these blood vessels stretch too much due to increased pressure, they can become irritated, inflamed, and, in some cases, downright uncomfortable. Symptoms can include itching, bleeding, and, of course, that lovely feeling of "something's not right down there." While they're incredibly common (like, embarrassingly so), most of the time they can be managed with a little attention and care.

Why Am I Getting Hemorrhoids?

Ah, the big question. Hemorrhoids don’t just happen for no reason—they usually appear when there's extra pressure on those poor veins in the rectal area. The culprits can vary:

• Straining during bowel movements: This is one of the top offenders. If you're constipated or not going to the bathroom regularly, you might end up pushing too hard, which puts strain on the veins in your lower half.
• Sitting for too long: Whether it's hours of Netflix or endless hours at a desk, sitting for prolonged periods can put pressure on the area and cause hemorrhoids over time.
• Pregnancy: For expecting mothers, hormonal changes and increased pressure from the growing uterus can cause or worsen hemorrhoids.
• Aging: As we age, the tissue that supports the veins in the rectal area can weaken and stretch, making hemorrhoids more likely to develop.
• Obesity: Extra weight can add more pressure to the pelvic region, which increases the chances of developing hemorrhoids.
• Heavy lifting: Regularly lifting heavy weights (or even just a few too many grocery bags) can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which contributes to hemorrhoid formation.

What Can I Do About it?!

Good news! Hemorrhoids can usually be managed (and sometimes prevented) with a few simple strategies. First and foremost: don’t panic, because most hemorrhoid issues can be tackled without surgery. Here’s a quick guide to getting your rear in gear:

1. Fiber, Fiber, Fiber! A high-fiber diet can make a huge difference by softening stools and reducing the need for straining. Foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains are your new best friends. If you’re still feeling backed up, fiber supplements like psyllium husk or metamucil can do wonders.
2. Stay Hydrated: Water is your secret weapon. Drinking enough fluids helps keep things moving in your digestive system, making it less likely that you'll get constipated (and thus, less likely to strain).
3. Don’t Hold It In: When you’ve gotta go, go. Holding in a bowel movement can lead to constipation and more straining, which is a classic recipe for hemorrhoid trouble.
4. Warm Baths: Soaking in a warm sitz bath can provide relief for irritated skin and help ease inflammation. Plus, it’s a little “me time”—who doesn’t need that?
5. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter creams and ointments that contain hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or other soothing ingredients can help reduce swelling and calm discomfort. Just be careful not to use them too long, as they can cause thinning of the skin with prolonged use.
6. Exercise: Regular movement helps keep things flowing (digestively speaking), so getting active—even a daily walk—can help prevent hemorrhoids and improve overall circulation.
7. Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Give your rear a break! If you’re sitting for long periods, make sure to stand up and move around regularly to relieve pressure. And if you’re guilty of “sitting” for hours on the toilet (yes, we know), it’s time to rethink that habit.
8. See a Doctor: If the pain is persistent or severe, or if you notice bleeding, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. In some cases, hemorrhoids may need a little extra attention, like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or in rare cases, surgery.

Silky Peach & Hemorrhoids

Estriol is a type of estrogen that is sometimes used topically for conditions related to hormone imbalance, particularly in menopausal women. It has a much gentler effect than estradiol, the primary estrogen, but still exerts some influence on tissues.

Here are a couple of things that could potentially connect estriol with hemorrhoids:

1. Hormonal Influence on Blood Vessels: Estrogen, including estriol, can affect blood vessel tone and elasticity. This might influence the venous system, and in some people, could make veins more prone to swelling or varicosity, which could potentially worsen hemorrhoids. However, this would more likely be the case with systemic estrogen (like oral or injected) than with topical estriol, as it doesn’t have as wide-reaching effects when applied topically.
2. Estrogen and Fluid Retention: Estrogen (even in weaker forms like estriol) can sometimes cause fluid retention, which might increase pressure on blood vessels, potentially aggravating conditions like hemorrhoids. This would typically be more of a concern with oral or systemic estrogen use, rather than just topical application.

That said, hemorrhoids are most commonly linked to other factors, like chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods, obesity, or pregnancy, rather than estrogen use.