Autoimmune diseases

• During menopause, oestrogen levels drop, which can make the immune system more active. This can cause existing or hidden autoimmune diseases to flare up.
• Common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, coeliac disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, and Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis.
• Symptoms of menopause and autoimmune diseases can overlap, such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and dry skin.
• Autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but a healthy lifestyle and supplements can help alleviate symptoms. In some cases, hormone therapy may be an option.

Oestrogen influences the immune system and typically suppresses inflammatory processes in the body. When oestrogen levels drop during menopause, the immune system can become more active. Other physical changes may also contribute to this.

These hormonal changes can reveal a hidden autoimmune disease or worsen an existing one. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks parts of the body itself. For example, healthy cells that support organ function may be destroyed. In other cases, inflammation can occur as unnecessary cells are cleared away. A drop in oestrogen can lead to increased immune system activity. If you have a hidden or existing autoimmune disease, it may suddenly manifest or worsen.

Some women discover during menopause that they have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Symptoms may also become more severe, which can be mentally challenging.

There are at least 80 known autoimmune diseases, and likely more that have yet to be identified. Research shows that 10% of the population has one or more autoimmune diseases. Having one increases the risk of developing a second or third. The most common autoimmune diseases include:

• Coeliac disease: inflammation of the intestinal lining caused by gluten.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): damage to the joints.
• Psoriasis: a skin condition characterised by red patches and white scales.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): damage to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: chronic inflammation in the digestive system.
• Type 1 diabetes: the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Many women experience symptoms during menopause. But how can you tell if the symptoms are due to menopause or something else? Many symptoms of autoimmune diseases resemble those of menopause, which can lead to missed signals or misattribution to menopause (or vice versa). Overlapping symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Poor sleep
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Feelings of sadness
• Hair loss
• Dry skin

Do you have one or more symptoms that suddenly worsen? Or do they not improve despite a healthier lifestyle or other treatments? Schedule an appointment with your (general) practitioner to investigate the cause.

There are various ways to effectively manage autoimmune diseases. You don’t have to simply live with them. You can support your body naturally with healthy nutrition, sufficient exercise, and rest. Additionally, supplements can be beneficial.

When your hormone levels change during menopause, it can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and rest can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. While autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, small adjustments may make a difference in how you feel.

When using medications or supplements, a balanced lifestyle supports your body in absorbing nutrients and processing medications, making supplements and treatments more effective. Experts recommend the following for autoimmune diseases:

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods, such as vegetables and omega-3-rich products. Processed foods and high sugar intake can worsen symptoms.
• Take care of your gut by eating a varied diet. Vegetables, fruits, and nuts support healthy bacteria. About 80% of your immune system resides in the gut, making it essential to maintain its health.
• Regular, gentle exercise can help reduce stiffness and fatigue.
• A good night’s sleep is crucial for your immune system. If you have sleep problems, discuss possible solutions with your doctor.
• Chronic stress disrupts your immune system. Breathing exercises, setting clear boundaries, and listening to your body can help maintain calm.
• Are your symptoms persistent? Or do you feel something is wrong? Consult a doctor for further investigation. Keeping a symptom diary (noting patterns, triggers, and severity) and writing down your questions can be helpful before your visit. You can also request a referral to a specialist.

Replenishing the hormones that decrease during menopause is the most effective treatment for various menopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy (HRT) directly addresses vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, as well as vaginal symptoms like dryness. It may also (indirectly) improve other menopausal symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and concentration issues. It might even help with autoimmune diseases.

HRT is not the first choice for everyone. A doctor will carefully assess whether this treatment is suitable for your health and symptoms.

During menopause, changes occur in how your body produces energy, builds muscle, and repairs skin. You can naturally support these processes with high-quality supplements. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 are recommended for every woman going through menopause.

The effectiveness of supplements depends on factors such as your lifestyle and health, and it can vary from person to person. The quality of the product also determines how well it works. Choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers.