Question:
I am 47 years old and think I've had genital herpes for around 20 years. I used to have very minor BOs, but had a MAJOR one about a year ago and am having another one now. Is it common for the BOs to get worse as you age?

I'm going to start taking Lysine, Vitamin-C, and Zinc - do you find that helpful?

I read that one of the triggers may be too much Arginie in one's system. However, I just read (someplace) that a combination of Lysine and Arginine may be a good way to prevent BOs. That seems contradictory?

Also, has anyone found Choraphor helpful? How long is its shelf life -- I'm concerned about that since my BOs have, so far, been infrequent. I'm concerned that its potency may diminish if I have it on my shelf for over 6 months.

Thanks for your help.

Answer:
I don't know anything about choraphor but I'll add what I know about arginine vs. lysine.

they are both amino's that are necessary and important in processing proteins and fats that we eat. probably have other important functions that I can't remember at the moment too.

What you need to remember is that research has indicated that the herpes virus needs arginine to replicate or reproduce itself. Research also shows that L-lysine helps keep herpes ob's down in some people.

I worried initially that not getting enough arginine could be bad for the liver. As I have a liver disorder. The l-lysine does help my ob's.

Keep in mind that if you monitor your diet and keep l-lysine levels higher than those of arginine you should be okay. We are all different and some of us are more sensitive to arginine than others. You need to consult your physician if you have health issues that are going to be impacted due to taking otc vitamins etc. Also read up on what side effects can occur if you take too much or not enough.

Does this help?

Answer:
I thought I'd also add that at 47 you may or may not be experiencing menopause or perimenopause symptoms which can cause hormonal fluctuations and may contribute to ob's.

This is something you may want to discuss with your gynocologist if you think it is a factor.

Answer:
Thank you for your reply. I hadn't thought about the menopause part of the equation. I've taken Lysine in the past, not at very high doses, without any complications. The doctor prescribed Valtrax today and some pain medication and that helped me get some sleep. I also took about 2500 mg of Lysine today, and Ester-C and Zinc. My condition is already improving -- 4 days into this OB.

As you say, changing hormones may be playing into these sever outbreaks so I think I'll continue on a more disciplined (though not quite as high dosage) dosing of the Lysine regime.

I appreciate your help very much!

Answer:
Here is an article that has some interesting information on the use of and its action against Arginine.



You may find it helpful.

Shenda