Previous similar studies Few studies have explored the influence of hormone replacement therapy on the activity of SLE. Arden et al. (22), conducted a retrospective study among 60 postmenopausal women with SLE including 30 women users and 30 women non-users of HRT. The mean follow-up was 12 months. There was no significant difference in any parameter measured including lupus activity. They concluded that HRT appears to be well tolerated and safe. Kreidstein et al., in a case-control study (23), compared the incidence of lupus flares between 16 lupus patients receiving HRT and 32 controls. After 12 months of follow-up, the authors concluded that the use of HRT in postmenopausal females with SLE does not appear to increase the rate of lupus flares.