Pos0003-Pare the Interaction Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Menopause: Results of a Nationwide Patient Survey

Background: The effects of the menopause have received a lot of attention in the press recently. Anecdotally patients report changes in their arthritis around the menopause either onset or aggravation of symptoms. Clearly there are hormonal influences on arthritis with the sex difference, onset around times of hormonal change and improvement during pregnancy. We were interested to explore the patient perspective to inform future research and educational need. Objectives: To understand the patient experience of going through the menopause in the context of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A national survey was organised through the national rheumatoid arthritis society (NRAS) using their database of interested patients and online community who self selected as peri menopausal, menopausal or post menopausal. A questionnaire was developed by the steering group seeking responses on the effects of the menopause, changes in the arthritis at the time, use of HRT and any discussions they had had with their healthcare providers. Results: A total of 779 people responded during October 2023. Respondents were 95% Caucasian mainly in their 50s with onset of menopausal symptoms in their 40s. 80% responded that their arthritis was worse during the menopause with 10% being much worse. 47% had taken HRT. Of these, 72% had had an improvement in their menopausal symptoms and 30% had a moderate or good improvement in their arthritis symptoms. Of those who had had a pregnancy after they developed arthritis, only 19% had an improvement in their arthritis during the pregnancy but for half of these the arthritis went into complete remission. 92% of respondents had no medical discussion about the menopause. For those who did, this was most frequently with the GP in relation to HRT and osteoporosis. 84% felt that the rheumatology team should have more training about the menopause. General comments were on the confusion in the overlap of symptoms between RA and the menopause and conflicting advice about HRT. Many patients were convinced that there was a link between the onset or aggravation of their arthritis and the menopause. Many commented that the survey was very welcome and more research overdue. Conclusion: There is a strong association between the menopause and deterioration of arthritis symptoms. Patients would like much more discussion about the menopause but this is not currently happening. There is a great need for further research to clarify the impact of the menopause on people with arthritis. REFERENCES: NIL. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.