To try and cut a long story short I have RA and I’m on metratrexate and a Biologic I’m 49 and I’m going through the menopause!!!
I feel the the menopause is making my RA worse!!
I’m waking up with the menopause lots of times throughout the night and having hot flashes both day and nigh!!
I have been to my doctor and the did some bloods and said I’m definitely on the menopause as I’ve been a year and half without a period and my bloods confirmed it!My menopause Nurse offered me medication but I declined it at that time.
I’m afraid of HRT I’ve been reading up to try and educate myself I have heard good things about the patch??
My question is is there any ladies on here that have RA and are on meds such as methotrexate/and a Biologic and are currently on HRT!! Could you please share your stories with me I’m beside myself with it all!
Much appreciated xx❤️
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Mybirthday1975
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hello 1975, my birth year is 1973 and I can totally empathise- my RA has really ramped up during perimenopause, I went on HRT around a year ago mainly due to the menopause symptoms- I couldn’t cope with the hot flashes 🥵 - I’m on oestrogen gel and progesterone tablets- they have been fab for managing menopause symptoms, I still occasionally have a bleed but think that’s due to the HRT- likely wouldn’t if not on it. Unfortunately for me it’s hard tell if HRT has made any difference to RA, my disease has become much more active as I’m nearly through perimenopause and at menopause, than it was a year or two ago! Maybe without the HRT my RA would have been worse- but it’s very bad right now das score 5.3, so would hate to think how bad it would be without. HRT. It’s been a game changer for me- I would def recommend HRT- RA bad enough without having to deal with hot flashes, night sweats etc. my rhum team also suggested it can help ( I’m on sulfersalzine and biological therapy- just about to change to IV biologic- I can’t have methotrexate!) good luck 🤞
You need to educate him/her! Gels and patches recommended for over 60s rather than tablets. I suspect your doctor doesn’t have RA and is not suffering with menopause symptoms!
Can you find a more sympathetic dr at your surgery? Someone who s interested specifically in womens health?I have a very late menopause ( am now 58) and the severe perimenopause symptoms didnt affect me until about 3 years ago - my GP thinks peri may have triggered seronegative inflammatory arthritis.
I am currently on methotrexate, and hydroxycholquinine. Also on hrt patches, 125 strength and use the mirena coil for the progesterone part.
My GP surgery and rheumatologist dept are all aware of this and have no problems with it at all.
I can honestly say hrt change me significantly for the better. Like Madmusiclover I aim to be on hrt for life.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have, happy to answer if I can
I'm on Evorel Conti patches. They are a must! When uncontrolled, RA gives me night sweats but they are slightly different to menopausal flushes which came with a sort of panic attack for me (which I'd never been prone to before). The two together are a nightmare. All is under control with the HRT and the Methotrexate sorting out both of them...so I'm cold all the time now. 😂
I'm 58 and been on HRT patched and tablets for 3 years. RA only diagnosed is past year so I have just continued with HRT alongside MTX and now tocilizumab. All seems fine at the moment. Diff to tell which symptoms are RA, menopause or just normal 😂
I was on HRT patches for 20 years. I started early when I was 46. I decided to stop it after having a serious melanoma. Nothing to do with the HRT but I felt it might encourage any spread. Now I wish I had stayed on it as I don’t think it would have made any difference. The HRT made me feel so much better and I think it helped my RA. My GP was always trying to take me off it as he said it was supposed to be short term but views have changed now and recently I spoke my gynaecologist who is female by the way, and she said that they encourage the use of HRT these days as it really improves women’s health and wellbeing.
I'm 51 and am taking benepali biologic, I've been on HRT patches (just gone up to 75mg) and progesterone tablets sequentially as I still have my periods (🙄) and they've helped alot.
Just in improving my mood which enables me to cope with flare days. I would definitely recommend it, just have to get the HRT levels right which cam take some time. It also helps prevent osteoporosis and cardiac disease so that's a great benefit for people with RA
Hi Mybirthday 1975. I have RA. I’ve had it since i was 21. (I’m 53 now). I totally know how you feel. I was having really bad mood swings. I found it so hard to control my temper! Awful hot flushes!!! Really dry eyes & mouth. (I have Iritis & Glaucoma. Which are 2 chronic eye conditions. Massive emotional ‘episodes’. (My poor partner was going through it too). I was half bullying him! I was nervous about HRT. Read it can cause the ‘c word’. Tried to cope without it. But there was no way i could carry on the way i was. So i gave in. The patch is great. Within about 1-2 weeks my hot flushes eased. Other things improved too. I’ve now been on it 7 months. The only thing is. I’ve started ‘spotting’. Bleeding for a few days at a time. I was bleeding a few days this week & getting dizzy spells too. I actually rang my lovely GP yesterday. I was quite worried, as i’ve recently been diagnosed with Diverticulitis too. (Which is inflammation in the bowel). I’m going to have a smear test & a colonscopy just to make sure! Not looking forward to the colonscopy. But who does?? I’m worried i might have a funny walk after!!! 🤣 I know i’ve got the other symptoms too. But i really would reccommed the patch. My partner’s relieved too!!!!!
I went through what you describe in 2023, endoscopy, colonoscopy and laparoscopy and nothing found except diverticulitis. I have meds for the low BP and vertigo and PPI for gastric acid and this allows me to manage the symptoms and take naproxen for my joint pain. Tests for Stills showed nothing but GP has no idea what Stills is and had to look it up. I often wonder if using Indocid as I did at diagnosis would be useful as every year older I get the less mobile my joints become .
Thanks for the colonoscopy info. When i was first diagnosed with the RA. I was put on loads of sulphasalazine & indocid, plus steroids & co dydramol, co codamol. I had been in hospital for 5 days. At the beginning. I just had pain in my right big toe, left shoulder & conjunctivitis in my right eye. I kept begging to go home. Eventually they let me out & the inflammation literally spread to every single joint. Horrific pain. I was on so many meds. That i didn’t recognise my brother in law. He looked familiar. But i couldn’t remember his name. I couldn’t read either. I was like a zombie. My mum was a nurse & knew i wasn’t ‘right’. She rang my Consultant. She just lowered my dose of Sulpha & Indocid. So scary how powerful these drugs are!!
To be honest as I was only 17 when Still struck I don’t remember much, except the pain level which was all consuming, giving birth ten times would hurt less. I remember I couldn’t even lift a glass to take water with my meds but like you once I was in hospital they diagnosed me within a week and then the steroids and Indocid did the rest until I was about 22. Just to say too, that apparently codeine based meds may cause diverticulitis and I’ve used them for over 40 years so am now doing without despite them being very effective for my pain.
note my diagnosis is Stills Disease which for me manifests as Rheumatoid disease with chronic joint pain and stiffness along with typical afternoon fever and extreme sore throats. Diagnosed in 1979 aged 17 now 62 but not taking any RA medication currently. Other AI conditions have joined over the years and menopause brought LS and IC however I’ve been using Everol conti patches since aged 51 and will keep using them as long as possible and will source my own or alternative if GP fails to prescribe. In February 23 I had a health scare resulting in lots of scopes and the gynaecologist Dr told me it was ok for me to keep using HRT hurrah hurrah. The HRT helped my joints a bit when I first started but the biggest benefit was controlling the flushes and brain fog. It worked for me and I hope you find something that suits you too, it’s such a relief.
PS. I’ve been on Infliximab infusions 6 weekly for the past 20 yrs too. The HRT hasn’t affected my treatment. Or my RA. So good luck with your menopausal ‘journey’. X
Hello, I can definitely relate, I found that my symptoms did increase during perimenopause and menopause. I changed my diet looked at my exercise strategies, for example I find that Pilates for me works really well - you would have to see what suits you of course.
There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that a whole food Plant-based diet relieves menopausal symptoms in the first place so you might want to look into that. You can find quite a lot of information online but for really good research-based data, look at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine - PCRM.org. They have some great articles on their site about strategies that we women can use to alleviate symptoms.
I also have started a bioidentical oestrogen progesterone cream and I also asked my GP for testosterone. That was a battle because she told me that “women don’t have testosterone“ Obviously had to explain to her that in fact we do and that our testosterone drops drops dramatically after menopause and we require a tiny dose (compared to the type of dose that man take) I had to explain to her that supplemental testosterone is extremely helpful for women, post menopause. She did some research and conceded the point!
I hope that some of these pointers are helpful and I’m happy to chat further if that could be helpful. Wishing you all the best.
I too am on testosterone as part of my hrt. As you say it can be quite a battle to have it prescribed. Definitely helps me despite the misconception it is a male only hormone. As with all hrt it varies dramatically from person to person to find the right balance of replacement hormones. A good extra point to add in on this thread
Very interesting about the testosterone. I’m not sure exactly what everol conti patches deliver but having read your post I shall read the PIL and find out, thank you.
I started on HRT about a year before my RA diagnosis. I was on tablets but kept having irregular horrific periods so my nurse recommended swapping to the mirena coil and gel which I did and all menopause symptoms stopped. I have recently started waking up in the night and feeling a bit hormonal again so think that my dose may need upping a little. I take MTX at 17.5 per week and that mostly keeps my RA under control too so all good right now 😀
Yes, I'm 53yrs old. Post menopause 6 years now. Been on Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine for 6 years since diagnosis. Suffered awful fatigue throughout, thought it was the RA. Last April the fatigue was so bad, I had no life. I went back to the GP. He put me on HRT, and wow, the difference is amazing. I still get tired, I still have bad days, I still have side effects from the drugs, but I feel I have my life back. For me, HRT has been a game changer.
I’m the same age as you. Not quite 50 yet but Happy 50th for when it is your birthday if you haven’t already celebrated it.
I take a biological injection Yflyma.
I am on Estrogen gel and Progesterone tablets. I dont use the gel every day now, as I found I was spotting (high sign of oestrogen) so I take it sparingly now. Maybe three / four times a week max, just one pump.
There are lots of foods which you can eat, which can help with menopausal symptoms too.
I swear that being induced into menopause by my Specialist, that it brought on my RA.
This all started in Feb 2022 and four months after I started with these injections to turn off my ovaries. (I have severe endometriosis) I started with wrist pain and severe swelling of a couple of my fingers. It took nearly two years to get onto Biologics. I am now waiting on a full hysterectomy.
Hello yes I'm sixty and only just stopped periods not quite a year ago but have been on various forms of hrt for a few years now. My diagnosis came at the same time as perimenopause truly hit. As oestrogen levels fall inflammation rises and everything seems to crash it's hideous isn't it. i chose to go with the Newson menopause clinic because I needed expert advice, I'm histamine intolerant couldn't tolerate many of the jet forms. I'm currently on body identical gel, progesterone capsules and testosterone cream, it makes a massive difference but has been a rocky road. Most of my friends are on patches and love them. I'm on methotrexate five tablets. Im diagnoses with seronegative palendronic arthritis and like most folk my age have mild osteoarthritis in hands feet knees. My rheumatologist knows I'm on hrt. If you are on Instagram follow Dr Kelly Casperton and Dr Vonda Wright they share lots of up to date research in a fun way. Negative research has now been outdated and was primarily conducted on outdated hrt that we no longer take. Good luck it's a long haul to get the right meds to suit us but keep going and speak up for yourself and be pushy if you have to xxxx
I am 84 years old and have been taking HRT for over 35 years I had a total hysterectomy 29 years ago and my consultant informed me that I could continue to take it until I died. I was diagnosed with RA nearly 12 years ago and my RA consultant was extremely pleased that I was taking HRT. I am now on a biological and 4mg Prednisolone daily soon to be changed back to Methotrexate and have been advised to continue taking HRT as a lot of research shows it helps with bone density. We are all different but I have always taken the view that as a layman I am not a medic and therefore take the advice from qualified medics who are experienced so I can make an informed decision and know that if I am having problems with any medication I can discuss the problem with them and get help to rectify the situation. Maybe I am lucky that I receive excellent care from my GP and Rheumatology here in the Newcastle/Gateshead area.
Hi my Rheumatoid Arthritis got much worse during the menopause, I have taken Evorel Conti since the start of my menopause also with Orencia and Methatrexate. I found Methatrexate also gave me Vaginal Atrophy, so I also use Estriol cream. I didnt have a problem with HRT and RA Medication
I’m on MTX and a biologic and take hrt . I also suffer from fibromyalgia and symptoms we’re all rolling into one . HRT has made a difference its helped me to work the chaff from the wheat . My night sweats which I have had for 20 plus years have disappeared and sleep has improved. I feel I have a lot to put up with and if it makes a difference and helps me it was worth going for . The joy of HRT is you can stop anytime. I just need quality of life . I don’t want years of misery life is too short.
Hi there, similar to others here ... peri-menopause was my RA trigger. Hoped it was menopausal initially and went down HRT route. Worked out after a while (hard sorting the wheat from the chaff as someone else said) that patches weren't working for me (wasn't absorbing) and so went on the Lenzetto Spray and within 2 weeks really was able to discern what was menopause and what was RA. I also have testosterone - went private to a menopause doctor so that was easier to get what I needed. Tried progesterone tablets but they made me very depressed and have no perspective so have ended up with a mirena coil. Plus RA meds.
Similar to RA meds, we are all diff so what works for one won't necessarily work for another. Also important to get a doctor who knows about options so you can make an informed decision. Agree with all doctor recommendations below and also would recommend The Menopause Reset by Dr Mindy Pelz.
I'm 63 and have been on estradiol for 6 years I'm on 2 mg they say it a high dose so have to to fight a few doctors about but I win I also have seropositive Ra for 8 years and been on many biological medications I'm on Rituxan infusions now going for my 2nd one on Monday they are every 6 months and I'm pretty moblie for have severe Ra good luck to you and I will stay on my Hrt for life 😀
I am RA, sjorgrens, and I take HRT, I highly recommend HRT! I have a menopause specialist and she has shared her experience with her patients and RA/HRT and it’s positive. I have a close friend that started menopause and experienced joint pain, she started HRT and joint pain was relieved entirely, she was negative for RA. I am 61 and started HRT at age 50 and I will never stop taking it. I have read many studies concerning HRT and inflammatory arthritis and I feel comfortable with my choice. I also read the Women’s Health Initiative and don’t feel nervous about taking HRT for the duration of my life. Good luck, hope this helps!!! Stephanie
I have been on HRT for 18 years ( currently oestrogen patch and progesterone tabs) due to severe perimenopause symptoms. Seven years later Entered menopause at age 52 years same year I was diagnosed with RA ( sero positive). I have a letter from gynaecologist saying that I will likely need to stay on HRT for rest of my life (to avoid yearly GP reviews after 10 years of HRT use). This worked for a while, but an aggressive approach from pharmacist is making me jump through this hoop, and having to arrange 1to 1 appointment with GP. I point out gynaecologist letter and state that I still have symptoms and GP agrees that I need to stay on HRT. This just seems to be a waste of my time and takes a GP appointment away from someone who needs it. I am a health professional and very well informed on HRT and it’s research, so please no negative comments that drs know best (trust me, majority have had little or no training on menopause bar the experts on women’s health!)
Have any of you had this problem with having to do yearly HRT reviews after 10 years of HRT use and any tips for dealing with this (they are ignoring the gynaecology recommendations)?
I had to go private for my HRT . The gp in charge of gynaecology at my practice is a man . For at least 20 years of symptoms plus a hysterectomy no go . I then lost my hair I begged and pleaded with him , he said if I was his wife or daughter ( god help them) he wouldn’t prescribe it . I said loosing my hair was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I cried and said what can I do . His reply was many women looses their hair and they buy wigs . I said what about my night sweats going for a years and peeing at 10 times or more a night. He said go to Holland and Barrett and ask for herbal remedies. I can’t have them due to meds . He said you will just have to put up with it
My private gynaecologist went ballistic and wrote a snotty letter to practice manager berated the said Gp for lack of empathy and he needed retraining and updates on nice guidelines. We now have a women Gp in charge of all women’s problems. I believe I will like you be taking it to the grave .
hi 1975. I have ra plus a load more crap. I have been on HRT patches for 39 years. Yes 39 years. Still couldn’t do without them . Still on pred etc. no problems . Had many a good argument with drs re they suggesting I come off them. I have a wealth of knowledge re HRT. and drs spout old info and were not happy with my debating with them. They now leave me alone HRT until I peg it. So for me HRT has had no adverse effects. Hope you find the right solution for you. Best of luck.
That’s interesting, I did wonder if I stopped HRT would my RA get worse. I might use that as example to stop my GP from the yearly HRT reviews. I live in hope!!!!!!!!!
Yes. Same age as you. I've been on HRT for about 3 years, predating RA diagnosis. Hasn't been an issue with prednisolone, methotrexate, or abatacept.The estrogen gel made a big difference to me.
I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and I also had arranged, by coincidence, for an HRT prescription around the same time. After talking to a specialist menopause nurse, I opted for Biojuve, a relatively new oral product, which they believe does not come with some of the potential side effects of older pill products. (Taking a pill seemed a lot more convenient to me than the other options.)
As I was soon to meet with a rheumatologist, I put off starting to take the HRT until I had spoken with her. She felt it was perfectly fine to start taking HRT alongside the methotrexate, which I was prescribed for the RA.
It’s too early to say what the effects of either of those drugs are for me, but when considering forms of HRT to take it might be worth checking out the new pill (Biojuve) as well as all the other options on offer.
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