While menopause can worsen symptoms for some, others may find relief from lupus symptoms during this phase of life.
People with lupus may experience menopause earlier than they would expect it. Menopause symptoms can sometimes trigger or worsen lupus symptoms.
In other cases, hormonal changes during menopause may help reduce certain lupus symptoms.
If you are navigating both menopause and lupus, a healthcare professional can help you develop a personalized care plan.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic (long-term) inflammation and tissue damage, which can impair ovarian function over time.
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Lupus also often requires immunosuppressive medications. Some of these medications, like cyclophosphamide, can affect ovarian function and lead to earlier menopause.
A 2020 study notes an association between lupus and early menopause. The study found that cyclophosphamide might trigger premature menopause.
Early menopause due to lupus or its treatments may increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially since lupus itself can compromise bone health.
There might be a number of possible reasons for this correlation. Estrogen, a key hormone that declines during menopause, plays a role in immune regulation. This hormonal drop may
Certain symptoms of menopause — like joint pain, fatigue, and cognitive fog — may overlap with lupus symptoms, making the symptoms of both feel worse.
Doctors often prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopause symptoms, which may trigger lupus flares in some cases. This may happen because estrogen influences immune system activity.
Healthcare professionals often assess a person’s lupus history and symptom severity before recommending hormone therapy.
Reduced estrogen levels may decrease the frequency of flares for people whose lupus symptoms are hormone-sensitive.
In cases where lupus symptoms are stable, healthcare professionals may recommend an HRT for managing severe menopause symptoms, like hot flashes or vaginal dryness.
Research shows that HRT might be particularly beneficial for menopausal people with lupus.
HRT may also help protect against bone loss, which is important for people with lupus who are at higher risk of osteoporosis.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you’re not sure whether hormone therapy is right for you. They can help you weigh the benefits against potential risks.
Navigating menopause while managing lupus requires personalized care. If you are considering hormone therapy or have questions about symptom management, consult with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan.
Your healthcare professional might help you by:
- monitoring you for lupus flares during menopause
- recommending lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a nutrient-rich diet, to support bone health
- adjusting lupus medications as needed to help manage your symptoms
- helping you weigh the pros and cons of HRT
- advising you on how to manage your mental health during menopause
Close collaboration with your healthcare team is essential, especially if you are considering HRT or other treatments to manage menopause symptoms.
Lupus and menopause can interact in complex ways, with menopause sometimes worsening lupus symptoms or, in other cases, providing symptom relief.
Early menopause is more common among people with lupus, often due to inflammation or medication use. While hormone therapy may help manage menopause symptoms, it can also pose risks for lupus flares.
Talking with a healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment options can help you develop the best care plan for your needs.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.