A NEW Swedish study has found that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may be associated with an increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The findings suggest that women who use hormone therapy to manage menopause symptoms may have a higher likelihood of developing these autoimmune conditions compared to those who do not.
The research analysed data from nearly 1,700 women diagnosed with SLE or SSc between 2009 and 2019, comparing them to matched controls from the general population. The study found that MHT use was associated with a 30% higher risk of SLE and a 40% increased risk of SSc. The highest risk was observed in women who had used both systemic and local MHT medications, with nearly double the likelihood of developing SLE (OR 1.9) and an 80% increased risk of SSc (OR 1.8).
The authors suggest that the findings highlight the potential influence of exogenous female hormones on autoimmune disease development. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, previous research has linked hormonal fluctuations to immune system activity, potentially triggering conditions like lupus and scleroderma in genetically predisposed individuals.
Given that MHT is commonly prescribed to alleviate menopause symptoms, the study underscores the need for further research to determine the long-term effects of hormone therapy on autoimmune disease risk. The authors recommend that clinicians consider these findings when discussing treatment options with patients, particularly those with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Patasova K et al. Menopausal hormone therapy and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis: a population-based nested case-control study. Rheumatology. 2025;DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaf004.
