Hormone replacement therapy and lupus.
Has anyone had experience with hormone replacement therapy? Is it safe for lupus patients? Are there alternative treatments?
Hi,
!
I have to be honest; I searched the community and it appears that most of our community members that discussed Lupus and HRT chose to avoid taking HRT. This evidence is anecdotal at best, as there may be plenty of members here that just haven't shared their experience with HRT. HRT can increase the likelihood of Lupus flares, which is one reason some folks choose to avoid it.
Here is one member's experience with perimenopause and Lupus and how she chose to manage her hormonal symptoms naturally -- https://lupus.net/living/perimenopause-or-lupus. Also, we have a new sister site dedicated to menopause and I found this piece on natural options to manage symptoms that I thought you might find useful -- https://menopause-community.net/managing. I hope these resources are helpful for you.
Also, this would be a great question to bring up with your doctor, if you haven't done so already. I do hope if you are dealing with perimenopause or menopause issues, that some of the tips shared in the links I shared offer you some relief!
Best, Erin, Team Member.I thank you Erin. My Dr has given me Ostevin but I am reluctant to take it. I have had SLE for 36 years and have always been told not to do HRT. I will re-discuss with my Dr. There must be an alternative and another flare up is something I could really do without. Thankyou for the resources as well. Kezza.
, I hear you and I am so sorry you are in this position. You and your doctor can have a discussion about weighing the benefits and the drawbacks of proceeding or not proceeding with HRT. I think most alternatives may mimic HRT, so I don't know if they would also potentially increase the risk of Lupus flares or not. I just don't know. And the supplements that tend to be suggested for menopause focus more on the mental health aspect, not symptoms like hot flashes, etc. Apologies for yet another link, but in regards to helpful, proven supplements, this article covers some you can consider (namely, folate and Omega-3 fatty acids) -- https://menopause-community.net/mental-health/complementary-alternative-therapies. You and your doctor may decide trying HRT is worth the risk. Good luck!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
Thanks Erin
,
Erin has offered some great information.
Hopefully some of our community members will chime in here as well with their personal experiences.
All our best, Doreen (Team Member)
