Lupus: The Expert Series

In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, we focus on the unique challenges faced by men with lupus, a group that often experiences delayed diagnosis and is impacted by widespread misconceptions. Dr. Lisa Sammaritano shares how lupus symptoms can differ between men and women, and how the disease can affect mental health, identity, and quality of life. We also discuss reproductive health concerns and the evolving landscape of lupus treatment. For men who are newly diagnosed, Dr. Sammaritano offers practical guidance and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, education, and seeking support throughout the lupus journey. Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published. Episode Takeaways: Lupus in men is often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and misunderstandings about the disease. Symptoms and disease progression can differ in men, making personalized care especially important. Self-advocacy and education are key to managing lupus and navigating the healthcare system. Mental health and reproductive health concerns are important but often under-addressed aspects of living with lupus. Support from peers, family, and friends plays a vital role in coping and improving quality of life. Related Resources: Ask a Lupus Health Educator (LFA) Find Support Near You (LFA) National Resource Center on Lupus (LFA) American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Systemic lupus erythematosus and male reproductive health: A systematic review and meta-analysis Impact of sex disparities on the clinical manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, we explore the intersection of menopause and lupus, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women with lupus during this significant life transition. Dr. Mehret Birru Talabi explains the stages of menopause, its effects on lupus symptoms, and the importance of individualized care. We also cover hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle factors, and the necessity of self-advocacy in managing health during menopause. And although we know it isn’t easy, we also talk about how important it is for women to prioritize their health and seek support from their health care team. Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published. Episode Takeaways: Menopause is a significant transition in women's lives. Because most people with lupus are women, most people with lupus will experience this transition. Estrogen plays an important role in autoimmune diseases like lupus and fluctuating estrogen levels during menopause can cause both increases and decreases in disease activity. Hormone replacement therapy can be an option for women with lupus who are having difficulty managing the symptoms of menopause. There is no one size fits all approach to lupus or menopause and women should discuss all of their options with their health care team. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are vital in managing menopause symptoms and lupus. Even small changes can lead to positive results. Quality of life matters and women with lupus don’t have to face difficult symptoms of menopause without help. Learning and practicing self-advocacy is essential for women navigating menopause and lupus. Related Resources: Grown Women Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy by Sharon Malone Ask a Lupus Health Educator (LFA) Find Support Near You (LFA) National Resource Center on Lupus (LFA) The Expert Series: Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (LFA) The Expert Series: Planning for Pregnancy With Lupus (LFA)

This episode explores the complex relationship between lupus and fibromyalgia, focusing on definitions, symptoms, overlapping conditions, treatment approaches, mental health implications, cultural influences, lifestyle factors, diagnostic tools, and the importance of patient advocacy. Experts Drs. Peter Izmirly and Kelly Corbitt provide insights into the challenges faced by patients with both conditions and discuss the need for better understanding and treatment options. Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published. Related Resources: Strategies for Managing Pain (LFA) Staying Active When You Have Lupus (LFA) Ask a Lupus Health Educator (LFA) FMAware.org (National Fibromyalgia Association resource site mentioned by Dr. Corbitt)

Drs. Ashira Blazer and Denise Kimbrough discuss the recent removal of the African American/Black race coefficient from the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Learn about the implications for lupus patients with kidney disease and the potential impacts on health equity. Episode Takeaways: Lupus-related kidney disease (lupus nephritis) disproportionately affects African American/Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, South Asian and Latino/a populations, who face longer transplant wait times due to systemic inequities and social determinants of health. Biases in medical algorithms, such as race-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculations, can harm patient outcomes. Recent removal of race from eGFR calculations could potentially improve access to transplants for communities where previous opportunities for transplantation were significantly lower. Enhancing education and awareness related to kidney health is essential for addressing these health disparities and improving outcomes. Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published. Related Resources: New Policy Will Remove Race, Improve Equity in Transplantation (National Kidney Foundation) Kidney transplant for lupus: Your essential questions answered (LFA) Lupus Nephritis Information Center (LFA) Lupus and the Kidneys (LFA) What is lupus nephritis? (LFA)