Menopause supplements and RA

[AR50cyclist]

Hi. I wondered if anyone on here takes any menopause supplements with their RA meds. I’ve recently started having hot flushes, especially at night and was going to try something called Menopace, it’s basically vitamins, minerals and soy isoflavones, no hormones. I think I’d rather avoid HRT if possible.

I’ve got an appointment to chat to my GP about it but wondered if anyone had any personal experience or advice.

Thanks!!!

[Boxerlady]

I haven't tried any supplements - sorry.

I did take HRT though and for me it is was a life saver during a very difficult peri menopause. I was still taking it when diagnosed with RA in 2019 but stopped last year as, at 60 and post menopausal, I wanted to see how I got on and lockdown seemed like a good opportunity! I've been fine without it although I do get some night sweats and hot flushes; however, from what I've read on here, they can also be caused by RA and our meds so who knows?! When I was peri menopausal I didn't get as far as daytime hot flushes as the myriad other horrible symptoms caused me to start HRT before they developed.

My rheumy consultant said that HRT wasn't helpful with RA (or detrimental) so that wasn't a reason to stay on it; however, others on here have been encouraged to continue with it by their consultants so it's obviously yet another area where opinions differ 🙄

If you do want to try supplements, I'd advise checking with your rheumy team as well as your GP as it's amazing how many "natural" things can interact with our medications.