Can perimenopause cause rheumatoid arthritis?

Perimenopause does not directly cause rheumatoid arthritis, but the hormonal shifts during this transition can influence, trigger, or worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Many women report new or changed health patterns in their 40s that overlap with perimenopause timing.

Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations affect inflammation, immune function, metabolism, and neurotransmitter balance. This means pre-existing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may flare during perimenopause, or symptoms may appear for the first time as hormonal buffering decreases.

If you suspect a connection between your perimenopause transition and rheumatoid arthritis, bring it up with your healthcare provider. A thorough evaluation can help distinguish hormonal changes from other medical causes and guide appropriate treatment.

Tracking your symptoms daily, including both perimenopause-related and rheumatoid arthritis-related patterns, gives your doctor valuable information for making an accurate diagnosis.