The Connection Between Autoimmune Diseases and Your Period

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly perceives healthy cells and tissues as foreign and attacks them, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired organ function. This is often seen in diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's disease, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis.

Are these correlated with your menstrual cycle?

The answer is a big YES. Menstrual cycles and hormones can affect autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In fact, autoimmune diseases are more likely to be diagnosed during periods of female hormone imbalance and significant hormonal change.  Hashimoto’s is not the only autoimmune disease that undergoes these cycles. For example, many women with multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) report worsening signs indicative of a FLARE-UP in the days immediately prior to a menstrual cycle. 

A FLARE-UP is a period of increased disease activity, where symptoms worsen or arise, for example:

◦ Increased inflammation

◦ Pain

◦ Fatigue

◦ Other specific symptoms related to the disease.

What can you do to control FLARE-UPS?

◦ Manage stress, practice meditation 

◦ Get enough sleep

◦ Pay attention to eating a nutrient-rich, healthy diet

◦ Drink enough water

◦ Get regular exercise to boost overall health

◦ Monitor symptoms to identify patterns and triggers to discuss with your doctor

References

1. MedlinePlus Magazine, “5 common autoimmune diseases”, 2023 https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/5-common-autoimmune-diseases

2. Paloma, “Autoimmune Hashimoto’s Flare-Ups And Your Menstrual Cycle”, 2022, written by Mary Shomon https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/autoimmune-hashimotos-flare-ups-menstrual-cycle