Lupus and Hormone Replacement Drug (Premerin mainly)

Dr. Nicholson,

Do you have any experience with Premerin causing an autoimmune response?  I have been on it for 21 years, 2 1/2 years ago became ill and have since been diagnosed with lupus.  I got off of Premerin 2 months ago and my ANA is going down.  We also have a friend who was on it for a short time and got DILE.  When taken off she eventually became completely well.

Thank you

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

Premerin contains only estrogen and is used primarily in the prevention and management of osteoporosis, vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness associated with menopause.  Although the relationship between estrogen and autoimmune disorders is not clear, such hormones can stimulate some chronic infections.  This may be why it can be associated with DILE (Drug Induced Lupus).  The majority of Lupus patients have chronic infections.  In one of our studies over 50% had systemic Mycoplasma species infections.  This type of microorganism is stimulated by estrogen, so it might be a factor.

[Joni686]

Thank you Dr. Nicholson.  I am going to a new Rheumatologist in the morning and I will ask him about this.  Can it be cured with an antibiotic?  If so which one?
Thanks again...
Joni