Dr. Mala Kaul: Menopause or Autoimmune?

Midlife brings change.But when new joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, dryness, and inflammation appear during perimenopause, many women are left wondering:Is this menopause? Or is something deeper happening?In this episode of The Skin Pause, Dr. Corinne Erickson sits down with Dr. Mala Kaul, board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Integra Health in Atlanta, to unpack one of the most confusing intersections in women’s health.They discuss:Why menopause and autoimmune diseases share so many symptomsRed flags that suggest inflammatory arthritis rather than hormone shiftsWhy Google at 2:00 AM is not your friendThe real science behind estrogen and immune functionWhy hormone therapy is not a treatment for autoimmune diseaseThe impact of chronic inflammation and steroids on bone healthWhen to get a DEXA scanVitamin D and immune regulationDiet, elimination plans, and what the evidence actually supportsWhy muscle, balance, and strength are critical for fracture preventionThe importance of personalized, integrative careThis episode is a powerful reminder that:Not all midlife symptoms are “just menopause.”But not everything is autoimmune either.Sorting that out requires experience, pattern recognition, and thoughtful evaluation — not fear-based medicine or social media soundbites.Instagram: @integrahealthmdEnjoy 15% off Dr. Erickson's recommended peri/menopause skincare with code PAUSE15Instagram: @theskinpause & @drcorinneericksonWebsite: theskinpause.com