The Impact of Menopause on Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

The prevalence of autoimmune and rheumatological diseases is significantly higher in women, likely due to the effect of sex hormones influencing the development and function of the immune system, a phenomenon observed particularly during pregnancy. Oestrogens, in particular, appear to be a major factor in modulating the immune response, as their receptors are present in nearly all immune cells, where they regulate the expression of genes involved in inflammation. However, there is limited data on how menopause impacts autoimmune diseases, despite evidence suggesting that the menopausal perturbation of hormone levels may lead to the development of autoimmune conditions or alter the course of an already established disease. This review focuses on rheumatic conditions, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of how menopause influences the onset, progression, and clinical features of autoimmune diseases. The best evidence is available for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, two paradigmatic autoimmune diseases in which menopause elicits opposite outcomes. Despite these data, there is a notable lack of evidence and research on the impact of menopause in other inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue diseases. This gap highlights a crucial area for future research and unmet needs to be addressed. Understanding how menopausal changes impact autoimmunity and rheumatic diseases will be crucial for improving the management of autoimmune and rheumatological diseases in women.