11/17/2025
🌸 How Menopause Can Affect Autoimmune Disorders 🌸
As women move through perimenopause and menopause, shifts in hormones—especially estrogen—can have a major impact on underlying autoimmune conditions. Many women are surprised to learn that their symptoms change during this time, sometimes for the better… but often for the more challenging.
Here’s what you should know:
✨ 1. Inflammation Increases
Estrogen naturally helps calm inflammation. When levels drop, autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s, and Sjögren’s may flare more often. Joint pain and stiffness commonly worsen.
✨ 2. Hormone Changes Can Trigger New Autoimmune Activity
Perimenopause is often when autoimmune issues first surface. Hormonal shifts can unmask or worsen conditions that were previously quiet.
✨ 3. Menopause Symptoms Can Mimic Autoimmune Symptoms
Fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, insomnia, and muscle aches can look just like autoimmune flares—making it harder to tell what’s causing what.
✨ 4. Pain Sensitivity Increases
Lower estrogen affects how your body processes pain. Many women notice more widespread discomfort, increased fatigue, and more flares during times of stress.
✨ 5. Bone & Joint Changes Accelerate
Menopause increases the risk of weakening bones and stiffening joints—especially in women with RA, lupus, celiac disease, or psoriatic arthritis.
✨ 6. Some Autoimmune Conditions May Improve
Not all changes are negative! Conditions like multiple sclerosis may see fewer relapses after menopause.
✨ 7. Support & Treatment Matter
Balanced hormones, lifestyle changes, supplements, and individualized care can make a huge difference. For many women, bHRT, anti-inflammatory nutrition, quality sleep, movement, and stress management help reduce flares and improve day-to-day energy.
🙋♀️ If you’re noticing changes in your autoimmune symptoms as you approach menopause, you’re not alone.
At Navarre Primary Care, we help women uncover the root causes of their symptoms and create a personalized plan to feel better, stronger, and more balanced through every stage of life.
📞 Call us anytime if you have questions or want to talk about your symptoms and options.
