Overheating

[Longlocks]

Recently diagnosed with RA and not on meds yet but had a steroid injection. I’m 52 and pretty sure in menopause. I’m struggling at night with hot sweats at night which combined with shoulder/hand pain is really disturbing my sleep. Has anyone any suggestions?? Can you take HRT with all the other stuff I may have to take??

[JFlay]

Hi, sorry about your diagnosis!

I had bad night sweats during menopause (I'm 59 now) I didn't have HRT but instead switched to soya milk and yoghurts and took a soya supplement. It all helped. Soya doesn't suit everyone though. Also when you start on RA meds you will have to check with your rheumy's that any supplements are ok.

Night sweats are also part of RA too so it's a double whammy!

I think HRT should be possible but you would need to discuss it with your GP and rheumy's.

As HRT has been in the news again in the last couple of weeks regarding links to breast cancer I personally wouldn't take it but that's something you would have to weigh up for yourself.

All the best 😊

[AgedCrone]

We can’t advise on meds...but do speak to your doctor...many people on here have reported on taking HRT successfully.

[Hidden]

I’ve been on HRT for 8 years no problems. Recently started getting drenching sweats now going to be tested for Sjögren syndrome (apparently this can happen with RA)

[oldtimer]

It is worth discussing HRT with your doctor. My daughter-in-law says her life has been transformed by HRT and she thinks it's well worth the small extra risks.

With any medication you have to weigh up for yourself the pros and cons and decide what risks are worth taking. But you might find that the hot sweats are not menopausal but due to your illness, or to the medication that you take...but you wouldn't find that out without trying it.

[Hidden]

Some years ago my rheumy advised me to take HRT to try and reduce the risk of Osteoporosis. I did for 3 years, but never got on with it, so I stopped. Sadly I got Breast Cancer, and after successful treatment I also had Osteoporosis any way. But the point is that my rheumy actively encouraged me to try HRT even though I was taking MTX and Leflunomide for my RA. But I should still check with your rheumy as others have suggested.