Does anyone have a recommendation for a rheumatologist that has a good understanding of HRT, peri and menopause? I am desperately looking for a consultant who can help me with all of this.
My Lupus (partial) diagnosis was made a year ago and when I mentioned my perimenopause symptoms I was dismissed. I am feeling worse and worse by the day. I am treated with Hydroxychloroquine for the swelling in my body, but this can't be the best it can get.
Struggling to hold down a FT, high stress job, be a mum of a 5 year old and function. I don't want to reach breaking point but it feels close
Written by
Dicko2006
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Sorry to hear you're suffering. I have no name of a savvy menopause Rheumy per se but do recall a notice within this site from admins, asking if a research project on SLE & menopause would be of interest - so that's hopeful right ?!
I have been doing my own personal Heath Robinson style trials, and have found low dose HRT a few times a week has done more for me than the Hydroxy' (200) . I cant advocate it bc we are all different and will respond accordingly, but its a game changer.
I am well monitored owing to family history of cancers but Im taking a calculated, educated punt at choice - I need to work and need to have a body & mind that can. Its a v personal choice and a situ that needs so much input - meno + life! Joint pain reduction is the greatest aspect which naturally frees my brain and helps fatigue levels, stamina. There must be an admin or post on here that can lead you further. I recall replying to the admin post so perhaps search my posts? Gotta fly! Late for work - again
Good luck. If DMs are poss on here feel free to contact me if you'd like to know the nature of the HRT.
Hi Dicko2006, I would think the best place to start is the GP, they should be better equipped to help with perimenopause rather than rheumy and if necessary they can refer you on to appropriate consultant. Im not sure if rheumatolist would be the correct one?
Hi there, so sorry that you feel as if things are about to implode, it's a horrible feeling and you have my empathy. Anyhoo, I can't speak from the point of view of "Menopause" because according to my latest visit with a Consultant - the advice was - Don't be ridiculous you're way past that, to which my question was - why do I feel like this then? Followed by the answer - What did you expect? Anyway, you get the sort of gist...I don't know of any Rheumys that are up to date on all things Meno, but I do know of a very well respected Meno doctor who might be worth Googling. She is utterly passionate about women feeling great in Menopause and came and talked to our group about busting all those myths. She even suggested that one of our ladies who is 78 - way past the big M try a certain type of HRT, which she duly did and wow it is truly a miracle. Of course this lady doesn't have Lupus, but she has treated patients with RA and on Hydroxychloroquine with success especially around the brain foggy type of feelings. Anyway her name is Dr. Caroline Marfleet. I hope like I do for all of us, that you get the help you deserve. Namaste 🙏 xx
I found my gp handled all the menopause issues. My Rheumatologist did give some advice though re menopause and lupus/sjogrens. It's known that peri menopause/menopause can send your lupus etc.. into overdrive. My GP sorted hrt gel, progesterone, pain meds at night, estrogen for me. Hrt gel was recommended by rheumy as tablets are not good for us. You need to discuss options with your consultant(s) then see your gp and make a decision what to take. Nothing made a massive difference apart from progesterone and gabapentin at night to help me sleep, which works fantastically. If your joints are bad you sound like you need a medication review with your rheumatologist, perhaps you need more than hydroxychloroquine now. Hrt balanced my moods a bit but did nothing for joint pain. I hope you find help soon, keep pushing for it. Unfortunately I've just finished menopause and now I have other health issues I didn't have pre menopause so getting through it just swaps one set of problems for another. I would rather have medication to help than not though. Research your options but ultimately the choice will be yours as to how to proceed. Find a gp who specialises in menopause and is sympathetic. I saw a man who was actually brilliant. Good luck.
hi- Dr Zoe McLaren at Spire in Liverpool has a special interest in hormones - I saw her privately initially before I was referred back to the NHS for continuing rheumatology and she was excellent.
I am on HRT (patches for oestrogen and utrogestan for progesterone) and find it really helps my symptoms. Also on hydroxychloroquine x
I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling! There’s a lot of conflicting advice about Lupus & menopause symptoms, I tried a few rheumatologists and didn’t get anywhere with advice for HRT/menopause , they would just say the symptoms crossed over! I saw a lot of advice saying people with Lupus shouldn’t take HRT! this is not true for everyone, I had to do a lot of my own research and with the help of my GP decided to go low and slow, it is trial and error but definitely worth a go. I was surprised that Lupus Uk didn’t have any advice on this as apparently it’s mostly women that are affected by Lupus. My advice would be to see a menopause specialist or go to your own GP with your own knowledge of your options on HRT , the balance app is very good and has all up to date information on HRT, good luck 😊
Thank you to everyone for your comments. My GP would not speak to me about HRT and said it would have to be OK'd by a Rheumatologist. The Rheumatologist I was seeing previously was almost dismissive when I tried to talk to him about it. Have got a private appointment to see a new female Rheumatologist bext week. Fingers crossed.
Ask your GP to refer you to a menopause clinic. You can try Chelsea Westminster hospital, who have a specialised clinic and for referrals, in general, you do not have to live in the area to access their services. They will work with your Rheumatologist directly. The waiting list may or may not be long.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Fibromyalgia and Lupus
Lupus?
Lupus & Alcohol
lupus and sciatica
Lupus - spine and sides hurt
