Menopause &RA

[A234]

Has the menopause affected anyone’s RA ? I’ve been in long term remission for a few years now but since starting the menopause I’ve had a lot of aches and pains and I’m not sure which one is to blame 🤔 I’m not seeing my consultant until the end of July. Do any of you ladies take any supplements to help that won’t affect methotrexate ?

[patsymay13]

Hi there when I was going through my menapause I used to take evening primrose capsule, but at that point I hadn’t got RD so wasn’t on any meds , might be worth looking into , I did find it helped me at that time , cheers Jayne....

[A234 in reply to patsymay13]

Thanks Jayne, I will definitely look into it.

[AgedCrone in reply to A234]

Please don't take any supplements without running it by your Rheumy team. A lot of seemingly harmless supplements can really mess up your RA treatment.

[A234 in reply to AgedCrone]

I don’t plan to take anything without discussing it with my Rheumy first, was just curious .

[Leics]

I have HRT patches have been on them for years and to be honest if I don’t use them my joints and RA are much worse. So as I had a hysterectomy in my 30’s and was menopausal by the time I was 40, I consider I couldn’t manage without HRT it lubricates my joints and I would suffer so much without it. Rheumy, GP and immunology all agree it’s a good idea for me to stay on it. I’m 55 now by the way.

[Dogmad60]

Hi i tried various supplements but the only thing that really worked for me was HRT patches, had side effects with the tablets, i consulted with my Rheumy first and he told me that some of his patients found it helped their RA symptoms and as i also take steroids it would give some protection against osteoporosis. have now been on it for 10 years. Hope you find something that works for you.

[A234]

Thank you both for your replies...I find it interesting that the HRT actually helps your RA...I haven't been keen to take HRT for other reasons but maybe I’ll discuss it with my Doctor.

[precious123]

My menopause has certainly got worse. I had completely quit having any symptoms but since going on the methotrexate it has certainly gotten worse. Sweating bullets. Lol. I mean in the cool of ac all of a sudden here it comes. Embarrassing for sure when sitting in church.

Peggy

[Teatrees]

I have always taken my HRT no matter what I have been trying as the Doctor agreed its the least of my worries and I don't need bad hot flushes. I also take a Vitimin C and Odourless Garlic everyday and Calcium, but of course I am no longer on Methotrexate and everyone is different.

I hope this helps TeeTree