Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How does estrogen have a part in Lupus. I don’t think my body has any left in it after a complete hysterectomy in 2003. I’m 78.

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bakersfield, CA
February 16
 · 
Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

Hi Donna,
I'm 74. Even without ovaries & a uterus, we still have hormones,aside from just estrogen.
I found a doctor who tested all my hormones to see what was off. It had nothing to do with estrogen. She also taught me about foods to enjoy & those to avoid. It's taken 12 months & a move to a warmer climate have given me my lif3 back.I still have Lupus,just feeling much better now. I pray the same for you.💜

February 17
A MyLupusTeam Member

@Lupuspurple--I can relate to your frustration, purple, but as a physician, I can assure you that autoimmune disease is NOT an elective. It's part of the medical school curriculum, but lupus is still poorly understood, even by many rheumatologists. This isn't due to ignorance, but to the limitations of our scientific understanding of it.

Our best bet is to find doctors who are experienced with the disease, and often, this means going to university lupus centers or rheumatologists, if possible. I hope you have a rheumatologist that you trust.😘

February 21
A MyLupusTeam Member

I definitely understand! Sometimes I just sit and cry. Then take a deep breath and go again.🙏🙏

February 17
MyLupusTeam

How does estrogen play a role in lupus, especially after a complete hysterectomy?

Estrogen is thought to influence lupus activity because it can affect how strongly the immune system responds. Women generally have stronger immune responses than men, which helps fight infections but also makes autoimmune conditions like lupus Show Full Answer

How does estrogen play a role in lupus, especially after a complete hysterectomy?

Estrogen is thought to influence lupus activity because it can affect how strongly the immune system responds. Women generally have stronger immune responses than men, which helps fight infections but also makes autoimmune conditions like lupus more common in women.

Estrogen levels are naturally higher in women during their reproductive years, and some people notice lupus flares during menstruation or pregnancy when hormone levels peak. The fact that lupus activity often decreases after menopause suggests hormones do play a role in the disease.

After a complete hysterectomy, especially one done over 20 years ago, your estrogen levels would be significantly lower or nearly absent unless you've been taking hormone replacement therapy. This lower estrogen environment may actually mean less hormonal influence on your lupus activity.

At 78, your body's natural estrogen production from menopause would already be minimal, so the hysterectomy likely accelerated what would have happened naturally. The good news is that lower estrogen levels typically mean fewer hormone-related lupus flares for many people.

February 16
A MyLupusTeam Member

I went into complete menopause in my mid to late 40’s since i wasnt alloweed to take anything for it because of my lupus. It wasnt easy with all the hot flashes however now even though ive gone several years without hot flashes i found im now getting them again once in a while. Although my lupus didnt get any better going through menoause .. id love to have some of my life back though

February 17

Related Questions

View All

How do you deal with perimenopause and lupus?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Charlotte, NC
August 24

Does anyone here experience pain during sex?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Walbridge, OH
February 6, 2019

Lump in the Elbow Crease: Is It a Normal Lupus Symptom?
New Clues Show How EBV May Play a Role in Lupus
The Results Are In: How MyLupusTeam Members Think About Online Doctors’ Visits
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In