Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

The chances of developing lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) are higher in people who:

• Are female.
• Are black.
• Are between the ages 15 and 45.
• Have a family history of lupus.
• Take medications that are associated with drug-induced systemic lupus.

Results from studies are mixed on the effect that the hormone estrogen has on a woman's risk of lupus or of having lupus flares. For example, while most women do not have symptom flares during pregnancy, when a woman has a high level of estrogen, a few women do have flares during pregnancy. And although most women develop lupus when they are age 15 to 45, when estrogen levels are higher, a number of women develop lupus after menopause, when estrogen levels are low.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills (oral contraceptives) do not appear to affect a woman's risk of lupus.² Birth control pills also do not appear to increase the chance of symptom flares in women with moderate lupus that is inactive or under control.³

Some research suggests smoking may increase the risk of getting lupus.¹