Lupus and Women’s Hormonal Health

A recent article on WomenToWomen.com discussed the vast parallels between the symptoms of the inflammatory disease known as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosous) and the symptoms attributed to hormonal imbalance. Not only does the autoimmune connective tissue disease known as lupus manifest itself through nearly identical symptoms to that of hormonal imbalance, but scientists believe that doctors can synergize the treatment techniques designed to alleviate the symptoms of both lupus and severe menopause to provide a shared knowledge of the two.

Common Symptoms of Lupus and Hormonal Imbalance:

• Pain or swellings in joints that can feel like arthritis
• Muscle Pain
• Temperature fluctuations
• Chest pain with deep breaths
• Shortness of breath
• Hair loss or alopecia
• Swelling of the legs or puffiness around eyes (edema)
• Dry eyes
• Sever fatigue
• Lack of libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Fuzzy thinking

Another commonality between lupus and hormonal imbalance is that the symptoms stemming from the two conditions primarily affect women (during menopause). This is because hormones play an integral role in the development of lupus, just as they contribute greatly to symptoms of severe menopause.

The primary correlation between lupus and hormonal imbalance is their connection to sex hormones and the manner in which our bodies process or metabolize them. Estrogen dominance is experienced in women diagnosed with lupus and experience severe menopausal symptoms. Estrogen dominance is a condition where women have an estrogen imbalance – a woman with estrogen deficiency, normality or excess, but little no progesterone to balance out the effects of estrogen on the body.   

It’s important to remember that although lupus and hormonal imbalance do indeed have similar symptoms, hormonal imbalances such as menopause and andropause are not diseases – they’re simply a part of aging – but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. There are natural ways to alleviate the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, effectively. Through the use of bioidentical hormone therapy, patients suffering the growing pains of aging can find relief and more importantly achieve an optimal level of health.

Related Links:

Women To Women

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