does any one find that being on HRT makes a difference to there RA?

[kellyanne]

[Hidden]

Hi - good question Kelly Anne. I think I'm through to the end of an earlyish menopause now and have had no obvious classic meno symptoms but I am convinced that my menopause was the trigger for my RA. I know that some on here take RA drugs and HRT so sure they will respond but I also know from the meno site that many who take HRT find their joint aches and pains diminish significantly. I think it's because oestrogen is a steroid and works like Prednisolone - at least that's what my gynae told me last year. But whether it actually halts the progress of the disease activity is another question and one I can't answer because I wasn't having a bad enough menopause for them to allow me to go on HRT - unless you count the RA of course? Back to square one there sorry! TTx

[thinkpositive]

Hi Kellyanne,i have been on HRT through my Menopause and came off it once. Then my pain became more severe JOINTS ECT, started taking it again my pain was very much reduced so I am still taking it after the Menopause! I did talk it through with the Doc about the side affects and risks but when l look at the side affects of my other medications everything has risks and if my quality of life is better,Then what the heck! I have OA and Inflammatary arthritis plus other probs .Certainly has made a difference for me. PATX

[helixhelix]

Not sure whether it's just in my head, but I'm on HRT and every time I try to come off it i flare. So for the moment I'm sticking to it, which GP agrees with. Who knows if I have come through menopause now tho' as no way to tell as can't test natural levels when topping up with HRT. But have been on it for about 5 years now. Pollyx

[Jane06]

I have been on HRT for over 12 years (I am now 55) and my GP keeps trying to get me off it! Fortunately the hospital docs agree I can stay on it. I have not had a break so don't know what will happen when I eventually do come off. I am on steroids at present and my recent bone density scan showed reduced density, so HRT should definitely help with that (along with Vitamin D). The benefits surely outweigh the risks.

[kellyanne]

thank you for all your replies i am about to go on HRT and just wonderedif it would help with my joint pain kelly