Has Menopause Impacted Your RA Journey?
Lynn Marie shared her experience with RA and early menopause (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/?p=39727)
How has menopause affected your ability to manage RA?
I can really relate to Lynn Marie's story. I am 64 now but went through menopause at 30. I was on HRT for 15 years or so until my dr took me off. It seemed like my body aged in a instant! My body thinks I am 20 years older than I am. But what can I do but carry on and count my blessings! Good luck Lynn Marie.
, I think many people don't understand just how much menopause affects a woman's body. I am thankful you took some time to share your experience, as I think this is an important discussion for us to have in this community. I am glad you keep positive as much as possible! Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member. 
thanks so much fro reaching out. I appreciate you reading my story. I am sorry, you too went though a similar journey to my own. Really appreciate you reaching out and sharing this very personal part of your journey. Thanks for being part of our RheumatoidArthritis.net family. Reach out anytime! Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
I had NO idea this was related. I turned 41 in May and with that came perimenopause. I was experiencing symptoms beforehand for a while so my rheumatologist ran the panel and I was floored. I don't know anyone else in my age group going through this so it is comforting to hear that this is potentially related.
, you're definitely not alone in this! I think we are constantly learning more about perimenopause and how it early it can start. Some women experience perimenopause for 10 years (!), although it's more common to experience 4 years of perimenopause symptoms. Thanks for sharing and, again, you're not alone! Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team member. thanks so much for reaching out and sharing. I am glad that my article was able to bring some comfort to you. This topic is not widely talked about or researched. Hoping to bring more and more awareness to this very important issue. Thanks so much for being part of our community, We are here for you, during every part of your journey. Please continue to reach out. Sending virtual hugs your way. Just Keep Swimming..Lynn Marie, "RheimatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
I started peri menopause at 39. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. Crazy emotional, unhappy, depressed, overwhelmed. Finally, I was diagnosed with early menopause. By 43 I was completely finished with menopause. It was a relief!! The hot flashes slowed down. I was diagnosed with RA in 2009 but I know I had it earlier based on pain and other symptoms. And so it goes…
, thanks for offering some hope and perspective from the "other side" of menopause! It's a good reminder that this stage doesn't last forever! Thank you for sharing! Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member. sorry you have been on a rollercoaster similar to the one I rode. Appreciate you taking the time to read my article. Please share it with someone who you think might benefit. Any change, starts with awareness. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
I can relate. I started menopause at 36 and was done a year later. At the time they blamed it on viral meningitis that I had at 24. I was devastated. There was no one to talk to. It was a very depressing year. I was diagnosed with RA 11 years ago. I am 69 now. I think the RA diagnosis was late in coming. I had signs much earlier.
, I am sorry you had to weather that change alone! One of the perks of this current time is that you can gather so much information and find like minded communities online. I am sorry you didn't have that option when you went through menopause at a young age. It's hard to have your fertility taken away like that, even if you had no plans of having kids. There's something about that change that can seem like a closing of a chapter and especially at 36, you may not have been ready for that chapter to end! Thank you so much for sharing and for being a part of this community! Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member. really appreciate you reaching out and sharing. Thanks for reading my article. I am sorry, that you also went through the very real and life changing events, resulting from early menopause. This article was hard to write and hit send. However, I just knew it was the right time in my life to share my journey and potentially help others. So thank you again for your response, and I hope this article helped you to know, that you are not alone. Please continue to reach out. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
