Your rheumatologist is the best one to discuss this with, Julia.
Here are the summary points from a Lupus Foundation expert talk on lupus and menopause:
Episode Takeaways:
Menopause is a significant transition in women's lives. Because most people with lupus are women, most people with lupus will experience this transition.
Estrogen plays an important role in autoimmune diseases like lupus and fluctuating estrogen levels during menopause can cause both increases and decreases in disease activity.
Hormone replacement therapy can be an option for women with lupus who are having difficulty managing the symptoms of menopause. There is no one size fits all approach to lupus or menopause and women should discuss all of their options with their health care team.
Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are vital in managing menopause symptoms and lupus. Even small changes can lead to positive results.
Quality of life matters and women with lupus don’t have to face difficult symptoms of menopause without help. Learning and practicing self-advocacy is essential for women navigating menopause and lupus.
And here is the link to the talk:
https://www.lupus.org/resources/the-expert-seri...
I just happened to have posted it last week! I hope it helps.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be risky for people with lupus. It may trigger lupus flares and increase the risk of blood clots. This is especially concerning for those who have active lupus, a history of blood clots, or high antiphospholipid antibodies. The type of HRT matters - both estrogen and progestogen options Show Full Answer
What type of doctor should I consult to discuss HRT and lupus?