The relationship between menopause and autoimmune disease is a women’s health issue that can no longer be ignored. Autoimmune diseases affect women far more often than men, with women accounting for approximately 80% of cases. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause — particularly declining estrogen levels — are associated with an increase in certain immune cells and antibodies that may worsen or contribute to disease onset.
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and psoriatic arthritis are among the autoimmune conditions linked to menopause. Declining estrogen levels during this transition can increase inflammation and reduce the effectiveness of immune regulation. Although hormone therapy use in postmenopausal women has been associated with a higher incidence of certain autoimmune conditions, it has also emerged as an important tool for symptom management and improving quality of life when appropriately monitored.
