[Kate*H]

I think that most women on this site are probably too young to be able to answer this. But i'll give it a shot anyway. I'm 56 and just starting menopause. ( I'm a late bloomer ) I have read where ,because of the loss of estrogen postmenopause, that many women actually have a decrease in lupus symptoms ,and even go into remission. Have any of you found that to be true ,or heard anything about it? Right now though,the menopause symptoms ( mostly hot flashes) are a big pain! And make it even harder to get a good nights sleep ,which exacerbates the lupus symptoms.
Just curious to see if menopause made a difference for anyone on here.
thanks ,Kate H.

 

[Kate*H]

Okay..well thanks everyone. Guess my answer is that menopause in itself doesn't really make a difference. Although i have read quite a few studies that do say that flares tend to increase for women on HRT. Not that I'm thinking of going on HRT ,but that would probably stop me if I did want to.But then I guess I would have to figure out waht was worse ,a flare ,or menopause symptoms.Right now I can handle the menopause stuff.
Thanks for all your great input. I've only been diagnosed since May of 2007 and so i'm still learning. So far my lupus been pretty mild. Only fatigue ,,achyness, and I have to be careful of the sun,but no organ involvement. Plaquenil has helped a lot. I also have fibromyalgia and I've been seeing a physical therepist,and that seems to be helping me. And I just signd up at the gym so I could use the pool.
Best wishes to all, Kate