Understanding how menopause can affect our lupus symptoms

I recently came across an episode from the Lupus Foundation of America’s “The Expert Series” that focused on menopause and lupus. It reminded me of how important it is for us to talk about the changes our bodies go through, not only from lupus, but also because of the different stages of life. In addition to talking about these changes, we should also probe, research, challenge, and push for answers to understand what is impacting our bodies. And I have questions.

According to the Lupus Research Alliance, nine out of 10 people with lupus are women. Menopause is another experience we’ll eventually face that may worsen symptoms or negatively affect daily living. My question is, does lupus make menopause occur at an earlier age than in women who don’t have lupus?

As I delved into the topic, what stood out to me was learning that changes in estrogen during menopause can affect lupus in different ways. Some women may notice an increase in lupus symptoms, while others may experience the opposite. For me, this reinforced the fact that no two lupus journeys are the same. As with lupus, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing menopause.

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One of the biggest takeaways from the episode was that we don’t have to simply “push through” difficult menopause symptoms. Hormone therapy may be an option for some women, but it’s a very personal decision that should be discussed with a trusted healthcare team. One of my questions about that is whether there is any research into how hormone therapy may affect lupus symptoms. Also, how would hormone therapy affect women with multiple autoimmune conditions caused by lupus?

The episode also reminded me that little things matter. Healthy eating, staying as active as our bodies allow, getting enough rest, and managing stress can all make an impact. (Sound familiar?) Small changes can have a positive effect on our overall well-being. I’ve seen repeated advice that women experiencing perimenopause or menopause should regularly do strength-training workouts to combat both muscle and bone loss. It’s also been found that gentle strength training can improve some lupus symptoms.

The resounding message was that our quality of life matters. How well we live our lives matters, too. We must have conversations about symptoms that affect our daily lives, whether they’re related to lupus, menopause, or both. Advocating for ourselves isn’t always easy, but our voices matter. Asking questions, seeking answers, and working together with our healthcare providers are all part of our medical treatment plan.

If you’re navigating menopause while living with lupus, please know you’re not alone. Our experiences may look different, but we can support one another by sharing knowledge, offering encouragement, and reminding each other that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Let’s continue lifting each other up as we navigate this journey together — one day, one appointment, and one victory at a time.

Note: Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lupus News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to lupus.