Women and AI diseases | Arthritis Information

And they say the hormone connection is just coincidence.

http://www.womenshealthresearch.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hs_facts_autoimmune

Pip

I have said this as well..

I had JRA/JIA, Dx'd at age 10.. at age 12 1/2.. .. had first menses.... went into remission for 30 plus years!!

At age 45, had last menses.... began feeling more and more symptoms until at age 49, it hit me with a vengence with multiple flares during that year.

Yes, in many instances, I believe hormones are MAJOR contributors to RA and other AI diseases.

thanks for sharing that, Pip!

you know I've always thought there was a major hormonal componant I've always felt there was a hormone connection but when I told the RD I thought I could reduce if not eliminate some of my symptoms he didn't comment, he just prescribed the RA drugs. When I told my OB/GYN that my symptoms started during perimenopause and improved when I was on hormone replacement, only to get worse again when the hormone level was reduced, she said that hormones don't cause RA but in many women they have a protective factor. When the hormone level drops Pandora gets out of the box. Pandora was always there, it was just the hormones keeping her in check. I don't think the doctors really know at this point. Interesting. I can't say that I notice any changes in how I feel based on my cycles or where I am in the perimenopause stage in my life though. I think my onset was brought on by stress.I took premarin until I was 56 years old and also loved my cocktails. When I stopped both I came down with RA.
Thanks for this Pip. Also thanks for your research in the past and I hope in the future.
adding to this... my GYN just prescribed a vaginal suppository w/ estrogen. She said that it very well may help w/ my RA issues...

hmmmmmmmm