Is HRT recommended when you have an autoimmune disease?

Tod1

Hello! I have Limited Systemic Sclerosis and Sjogren's Syndrome. I'm also going through the menopause, and sleeping really badly. My GP recommended combined HRT patches, but I'd read they weren't advised for scleroderma. I've tried asking my rheumatologist and she said she presumed they were fine, but she's not a scleroderma specialist. Please do you have any guidance? I'd hate to make my symptoms worse. Thank you so much!

helpline_team

Hi Tod1,

Thank you for posting on our Helpline forum about Systemic Sclerosis and Sjogren's Syndrome and the menopause, because we are not medically trained on the Helpline and only have had limited information on this subject, we advise that you contact your healthcare practitioner for further information.

On the British Sjogren’s Syndrome Association is a podcast that you could listen to we hope that will help you in the future.

 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/sjoegrens-syndrome/

https://www.bssa.uk.net/default.asp

Best wishes

Chris

Helpline Advisor

frogmorton

@Tod1

It's not on getting such a wishy washy reply form Rheumatology is it🙄

I'd go back to your GP and ask him or her to look into it properly for you.

I do hope you can get your HRT I am not allowed it due to migraine with aura and it's just awful.

((())) from me and a pile of sympathy.

Toni xx

stickywicket

i have some sympathy with your doc. (More with you!) Research does seem a bit contradictory. Earlier stuff seems to suggest HRT would be bad but I did find these more up-to-date papers

https://sclerodermanews.com/2016/02/24/4949/

https://sjogrenssyndromenews.com/2019/08/06/estrogen-exposure-protect-women-sjogrens-syndrome/

helpline_team

Hi @Tod1

Thank you for posting on the forum, I can see that my colleague Chris has responded to you as well as other forum members which I hope has been helpful.

I just wanted to let you know that if at any point you would like to talk to us on our helpline you are most welcome: 0800 5200 520 (weekdays 9am - 6pm)

https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/helpline/

Best wishes

Lynda

Helpline team