The effect of systemic lupus erythematosus on sexual function in women: an updated meta-analysis based on cross-sectional studies

Liu, Maoyu; Dou, Jianguo; Wang, Qianqian

doi:10.1186/s42358-022-00257-0

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Despite the fact that life expectancy is generally favorable ( 41 , 42 ), racial and ethnic minority groups experience more severe outcomes ( 43 ), and SLE can dramatically affect all areas of a patient’s life, including physical health, mental health, and social relationships ( 44 ). Recent research has highlighted poor physical and mental health related quality of life in patients with SLE, with literature indicating that SLE can cause pain and fatigue ( 45 , 46 ), poor sleep quality ( 47 ), feelings of fear, anguish, and social exclusion ( 48 ), decreased sexual function ( 49 ), concerns around fertility and reproductive health in women ( 50 ), and challenges around economic costs, status, and employment ( 51 ). In addition, quality of life may be affected differently at different phases of disease ( 52 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case series: raw, whole, plant-based nutrition protocol rapidly reverses symptoms in three women with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome

Goldner,

Staffier

2024

Front. Nutr.

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjӧgren’s syndrome (SS) are chronic autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of SLE can vary widely but often include fatigue, pain, photosensitivity, and, in some cases, nephritis. SS is frequently characterized by extreme dry eye and mouth, resulting from damage to moisture-producing glands, and is often present in combination with SLE. While the health benefits of plant-based diets have been well-established with respect to weight and cardiometabolic outcomes, less research is available to support the role of diet in treatment and management of autoimmune disease. This case series presents three women with SLE and SS who adopted a nutrition protocol to reverse symptoms of autoimmune disease. The protocol emphasizes leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and water, and includes predominately raw foods. The three patients reported dramatic improvements in physical symptoms, with nearly all symptoms of SLE and SS resolving after 4 weeks or less of adhering to the protocol. All three patients have remained symptom-free, two of whom have remained symptom-free for 6+ years with no recent medication use. Patients and practitioners should be made aware of the promising possibility of food as medicine in the treatment of SLE and SS. Future research should explore whether dietary changes may be a potential treatment strategy for individuals suffering from severe symptoms and poor quality of life due to SLE and SS.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case series: raw, whole, plant-based nutrition protocol rapidly reverses symptoms in three women with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome

Goldner,

Staffier

2024

Front. Nutr.

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“…A large UKCTOCS cohort of around 4000 postmenopausal women uncovered the burden of poor sexual health and its impact on the family, including mental and emotional well-being and this burden is bigger in AIRDs [47]. A recent metaanalysis concluded that the female sexual function index (FSFI) was significantly lower in patients with SLE and this was augmented by depression, disease activity and severity [48]. An interesting possibility of autoimmune oophoritis in SLE is also suggested by some researchers as a cause of estrogen decline, premature menopause and sexual ill-health, eventually contributing to a low QoL [49,50].…”

Section: Aging and Sexual Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inflammation, Menopause, and Women’s Health: A Rheumatological Perspective

2023

AAEE

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Inflammatory rheumatic disorders come with their plethora of complications including accelerated ovarian aging and the associated adversities which could be a consequence of disease itself or treatment with immunosuppressants. While aiming for treat-to-target in these patients, its effect on the ovaries takes a backseat. This review focusses on this underexplored avenue of effect of inflammation, inflamm-aging and the associated complications that come with early menopause, in the context of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs). Some autoimmune diseases like lupus have a major role of estrogen in their causation and tend to be less severe when the onset is after menopause, while in other inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), estrogen may have some anti-inflammatory potential. Inflamm-aging that is associated with the AIRDs also leads to early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency in some patients, which adds-on to the morbidity and sometimes, mortality. With early ovarian aging and precipitous decline in circulating estrogen, there is accelerated reduction in the bone mass and early set-in of osteoporosis. Long-term steroids, on-going inflammation and RA itself are major risk factors. The high risk of detrimental fragility fractures in these patients with a consequential reduction in the quality of life with higher loss of disability adjusted life years (DALY) and poorer functional outcomes, contributes to long-term morbidity. While remission induction and maintenance are a major part of treatment, physicians should exercise a keen eye towards recognizing early menopause and its adversities and inculcate measures for osteo-protection and prevent adding on to the morbidity. Future prospects would include attempts at delaying ovarian aging by targeting mTOR/S6 kinase pathways and preservation of ovarian tissue.

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