A RECENT study exploring the impact of estrogen and progesterone analog supplementation on autoimmune conditions reveals a concerning association with several diseases. The study, utilizing data from the TriNetX network involving over 100 million patients, compared individuals on combined estrogen and progesterone therapy to those using progesterone-only treatments.
The results showed that patients on combined therapy had a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and others. After matching data for age, ethnicity, and other factors, these associations remained significant, with particularly strong links to systemic sclerosis, Behcet disease, and psoriatic arthritis. However, the combined therapy group had a lower risk of developing antiphospholipid syndrome.
The findings underscore the complex role of estrogen in modulating immune responses. While estrogen has protective effects against some conditions, it may also enhance immune activity, leading to an increased susceptibility to autoimmunity. The study calls for further prospective research to better understand the mechanisms behind these associations and their implications for hormone therapy in autoimmune disease management.
Healthcare professionals should remain cautious when prescribing estrogen and progesterone analogs, considering the potential risks for autoimmune disorders, particularly in patients with a predisposition for such conditions.
Reference: Tskhakaia I et al. Contraceptives or Hormone Replacement Therapy and Associations with Autoimmune Conditions: Exploring Effects of Estrogen Analog Supplementation. ACR Open Rheumatology. doi: 10.1002/acr2.11774.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
