To coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has launched a new Rheumatoid Arthritis & Menopause booklet. Developed in collaboration with the British Menopause Society medical advisory council and the rheumatology community, the booklet provides clear, evidence‑based guidance to help women understand how hormonal changes may influence their rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and how to navigate conversations with healthcare teams.
Publication of the booklet follows a 2024 NRAS study exploring women’s experiences of RA during menopause. The findings revealed a striking lack of clinical discussion: 93% of respondents said no healthcare professional had ever raised the topic with them. Many also reported unexpected or disruptive symptoms, including achy joints (18%), night sweats (70%) and significant social impact (36%). A dedicated focus group of women with RA also helped to shape the resource, with many describing uncertainty about whether symptoms were linked to RA, menopause or both.
This project has also led to the creation of a new NRAS Menopause & RA Online JoinTogether Group, offering peer support and shared experience alongside some healthcare and patient webinars which can be viewed through the NRAS website.
The new Rheumatoid Arthritis & Menopause booklet addresses a long‑standing gap in support for women managing both RA and the menopause—two conditions that can overlap in complex and often confusing ways. The booklet is available to download or order in print free of charge from the NRAS website.
The BMS medical advisory council is delighted to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the team at NRAS. This project represents an important step toward ensuring that all women feel informed, supported and heard during this pivotal stage of life.