Perimenopause, Joint Pain & Autoimmunity: What Every Woman Should Know
If you're a woman in your 40s or early 50s and you’ve noticed more joint stiffness, unusual fatigue, or flare-ups of old injuries, you’re not imagining it. The perimenopausal years bring hormonal shifts that can increase inflammation, impact joint health, and even unmask or worsen autoimmune conditions.
As a consultant rheumatologist and functional medicine doctor based in Belfast, I see many women at this stage of life who feel dismissed or confused about what’s going on in their bodies. Let’s unpack what’s really happening—and what you can do about it.
The Hormone–Inflammation Connection
Oestrogen plays a protective role in reducing inflammation. As levels fluctuate during perimenopause, many women experience:
Joint pain, especially in the hands, hips, or knees
Morning stiffness or swelling
Increased sensitivity to injury
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
In some, these symptoms overlap with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—which are all more common in women and often triggered during hormonal transitions.
Autoimmunity & Perimenopause
Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, and perimenopause is a known trigger window. Why? Because the immune system and hormone systems are deeply interconnected. As oestrogen drops, immune regulation weakens, allowing dormant or subclinical autoimmune tendencies to surface.
You might experience:
New symptoms like dry eyes, joint pain, or brain fog
Worsening of a diagnosed autoimmune condition
A lack of answers from standard tests despite feeling unwell
Functional Medicine’s Root-Cause Approach
In my Belfast clinic, I combine conventional rheumatology with a functional medicine lens to explore:
Hormone testing (e.g. DUTCH test)
Nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3s)
Gut health and microbiome balance (a key factor in immune regulation)
Personal triggers like stress, poor sleep, or food sensitivities
This personalised approach often brings clarity—and relief—where generic treatments fall short.
What You Can Do Today
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone—and it’s not “just your age.” Try:
Anti-inflammatory nutrition (more omega-3s, fewer refined carbs)
Prioritising strength training for joint support
Exploring tailored supplements like magnesium, curcumin, or adaptogens
Booking a deeper assessment if symptoms persist
Looking for Autoimmune or Rheumatology Support in Belfast?
Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, autoimmune symptoms, or both, I offer expert support rooted in both conventional rheumatology and functional medicine.
Based in Belfast | Specialising in women’s health, autoimmunity, and joint pain.
👉 Get in touch – simply fill out the form below or download our free resource on the root causes of autoimmune disease today to start your journey back to feeling like yourself.