Hormones and systemic lupus

Systemic lupus is a difficult auto-immune disease that can affect virtually any organ in the body. Most patients will complain of symptoms like fatigue, fever, hair loss, joint pain, skin abnormalities, cold hands, and ulcers. While diagnosing lupus can be complicated, what is interesting is that lupus tends to mostly occur in women between the ages of 16 and 55. This has led many experts to think that hormones, specifically hormone imbalances, can contribute to lupus.

I'd like to briefly look at which hormones could be imbalanced in lupus, and what that means for the disease.

1. ESTROGEN

Estrogen seems to be elevated in systemic lupus. Some studies have shown that women who get their period early in life, or are on estrogen containing birth control pills have a higher risk of developing systemic lupus. This is important because estrogen promotes inflammatory pathways in the body and can increase the reactivity of immune system.

2. DHEA & TESTOSTERONE

DHEA is converted into testosterone in the body. Testosterone is the hormone that is higher in males. Testosterone and other androgens (like DHEA) lower the reactivity of the immune system. Researchers have found that most women with lupus have low levels of DHEA. In fact, some research has shown benefit when women with lupus are given DHEA as a supplement.

3. THYROID

Experts have found that many women with lupus have thyroid issues. Specifically, their thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is too high. They've also found that many women with lupus have thyroid antibodies.

4. PROLACTIN

Prolactin is the hormone that is released to help mothers make milk. Research has found that when women have flareups of their lupus, their prolactin is also elevated.

What does this mean for me?

Well, if your a female with lupus, it's important to check the status of your hormones. It can help us get better insight into the contributing factors of your disease, and how we can optimize your hormones to help you feel better.

References

1. Schur, P. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of systemic lupus. Uptodate. 2019