Sex hormones and systemic lupus erythematosus

A number of abnormal neuroendocrine perturbations are described in systemic lupus erythematousus (SLE) and they involve both androgens and estrogens. These abnormalities are likely to affect the pathogenesis of the disease and its expression. Moreover, hormonal manipulation could have amelioration effects on the disease activity of SLE. Such manipulation can be achieved pharmacologically, by alteration of diet, or through natural processes like aging. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on this point of view and related topics.