Menopausal hormone therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: Pro et contra

Abstract

The emergence of modern methods of treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has led to an increase in the duration and quality of life of patients with this disease. However, the majority of patients with SLE are women, and it is well known that the female sex hormone estrogen can influence the activity of systemic autoimmune diseases, including SLE. An increase in life expectancy means an increase in the length of a postmenopausal woman’s stay, with the possibility of the appearance of classic menopausal disorders, and the development or aggravation of comorbid pathologies, primarily osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the need to improve the quality of life for women with these diseases. This review collects and analyzes data on the risks and benefits of using menopausal hormone therapy for SLE.

Keywords

• systemic lupus erythematosus
• menopause
• estrogens
• menopausal hormone therapy