How do RA and AS impact women’s hormones, motherhood, and overall health?

Featured Penelists

Dr. Namisha Patel

Rheumatologist

Dr. Himanshu Pathak

Rheumatologist

Dr. Ripal Shah

Rheumatologist

Dr. Jeet Patel

Rheumatologist

Dr Pooja Belani

Rheumatologist

Event Overview

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis comes with daily challenges. For women, these challenges often become more layered, as hormonal changes, reproductive health, pregnancy, and menopause can significantly influence how these conditions develop and are experienced.

Antardhwani brings you a thoughtfully curated health event exclusively for women—focused on exploring the connection between these conditions and key stages of a woman’s life. The session aims to offer medically informed insights, practical guidance from experts, and a space to connect with others navigating similar journeys.

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, are planning for motherhood, navigating menopause, or supporting a loved one with RA or AS, this event is designed to help you better understand and manage the journey ahead.

Event Agenda

Introduction
Understanding RA & AS in Women
Hormones & Arthritis: The Hidden Connection
Pregnancy, Fertility & Family Planning
Menopause & Midlife Arthritis Management
Physiotherapy & Daily Movement
Diet & Inflammation Management
Q&A session

Who Should Attend?

Women living with RA or AS
Recently diagnosed patients
Women planning pregnancy
Women in perimenopause or menopause
Caregivers and family members

Image Gallery

How do RA and AS impact women’s hormones, motherhood, and overall health?

Questions and Answers

How do hormonal fluctuations affect RA and AS symptoms?

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone directly influence inflammation levels. Many women with RA report symptom improvement during pregnancy (when progesterone levels are high) and flare-ups after childbirth or during menstruation, when hormone levels drop sharply.

Can the menstrual cycle trigger flares in RA or AS?

Yes. Some women notice increased joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue in the days leading up to their period, when estrogen levels decline. Tracking your cycle alongside symptoms can help you and your rheumatologist identify patterns.

Do RA or AS medications need to be stopped before or during pregnancy?

Some medications are safe during pregnancy, while others (like methotrexate) must be discontinued well before conception. Your rheumatologist will guide you on which medication to continue, adjust, or switch to ensure both your health and the baby’s safety.

Will RA or AS affect my fertility?

The conditions themselves don’t typically cause infertility, but chronic inflammation and certain medications can affect fertility in some women. Sharing your family planning goals early with your rheumatologist and gynecologist helps ensure you receive the right support.

Should women with RA or AS consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause?

HRT may benefit some women with RA by reducing inflammation and protecting bone density, but it’s not suitable for everyone. This decision should be made in consultation with both your rheumatologist and gynecologists, considering your individual health profile.

Is exercise safe when I’m experiencing a flare?

During a flare, gentle range-of-motion exercises and low-impact movement such as walking or swimming are generally safe and can help prevent stiffness. High-intensity exercise should be avoided until the flare subsides. Always consult your physiotherapist for a plan tailored to your condition.