Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory, autoimmune condition. Rheumatoid Arthritis happens when a person’s immune system becomes confused, attacking its healthy cells. It primarily affects the joints but can cause damage to other body parts as well.
While
anyone can develop Rheumatoid Arthritis, people assigned female gender at birth
are more likely to develop it. The exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is
unknown, but researchers have associated it with genetics, environmental and
lifestyle triggers, and hormones. Read on to learn more.
HOW
COMMON IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN WOMEN
An
estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. have Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it’s
especially common in people assigned female gender at birth. According to
research, women are 3 times more likely than men to develop it. While you can
get Rheumatoid Arthritis at any age, it most commonly begins between 30 and 60
years of age.
Research
suggests that women are most likely to be diagnosed with RA around the time of
menopause. On average, the first symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis occur around
45 years of age, and menopause occurs around 49 years of age.
What
are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in women
The
symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are the same, regardless of assigned sex.
Inflammation
of the joints due to Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause symptoms such as Pain,
Swelling, Stiffness, Warmth, and Redness.
Rheumatoid
Arthritis commonly affects joints on both sides of the body. It usually starts
in small joints, including those in the hands, wrists, fingers, and feet. But Rheumatoid Arthritis is not always
limited to the joints. There are a variety of other early symptoms associated
with Rheumatoid Arthritis, including fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Symptoms
may come and go in what’s called a “flare-up,” or they can appear and stay.
Either way, the symptoms can be very uncomfortable and prompt most people to
seek medical care.
THE
ROLE OF HORMONES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
The
link between hormones and autoimmunity is complex, and the data are often
conflicting. Research suggests that female hormone shifts during pregnancy and
menopause may play a role in the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other
studies suggest that factors, such as hormone replacement therapy, oral
contraceptives, breastfeeding, and pregnancy, may offer protective effects
against the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis. They may also serve as risk
factors, and it’s not quite clear which is the case.
For
those already diagnosed, Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms tend to improve for about
75% of women during pregnancy. But they worsen (or flare) for 90% of women
within 6 months of delivery. It’s
important to know that hormones aren’t the only factor at play in the
development of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Factors like genetics and environmental
triggers also contribute. More research is needed to understand the
relationships between the immune system and other factors.
DOES
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AFFECT MEN AND WOMEN DIFFERENTLY
Yes,
in part. While everyone will have similar treatments and Rheumatoid
Arthritis-related symptoms, research suggests that RA may be more aggressive in
women. Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis tend to experience more disability and a greater impact on quality of life.
These
effects could be more pronounced later in life. Researchers have found that, in
people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, there is a functional decline after
menopause. This means that they start having trouble doing daily activities
independently.
While
the prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis is well understood, there’s more to
learn about the disease path, treatment success, and wellness factors associated
with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
HOW IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATED IN WOMEN
While
there isn’t a cure, many effective treatments and medications for Rheumatoid
Arthritis are available. Treatment strategy does not differ for women versus
men.
The
goals of treatment are to:
Reduce
pain and inflammation, Prevent damage to joints and other organs, and maintain and
improve functioning and well-being, Commonly prescribed medications for
Rheumatoid Arthritis include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs),
such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex) or hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and
biologic medications, such as Humira or Enbrel. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids (steroids) may be helpful early to control
symptoms and when symptoms flare.
Available
treatments can help to decrease joint damage and pain while improving mobility.
Remission — having no symptoms —– is more likely with early and aggressive
treatment.
STEPS
TO TAKE TO PREVENT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
There’s
no proven way to prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis, but there are ways to reduce
your risk and prevent disease progression. Research suggests that smoking and
obesity increase the risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis. They are also
linked to poorer responses to Rheumatoid Arthritis medications. So quitting
smoking and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce your risk of Rheumatoid
Arthritis. But it’s easier said than done —– consider reaching out to your
healthcare provider if you need help.
Other
lifestyle changes may help to decrease your risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis,
although they have not been well studied. Research should be able to provide
more information on this in the near future.
These
healthy steps can improve your overall health in the meantime:
Taking
good care of your teeth and gums, Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a
healthy, anti-inflammatory diet, and staying active.
If
you have Rheumatoid Arthritis and medications are part of your treatment plan,
be sure to take them as directed. This will help prevent further damage to your
joints and other organs.
THE
BOTTOM LINE
Anyone
can get RA, but people who were assigned female at birth are 3 times more
likely to develop it. It’s unclear exactly why, but hormones likely play a
part. That said, many other factors contribute to the development of RA, so
more research is needed. There is no difference in symptoms between women and
men, although symptom severity and disability may differ. Early and aggressive
treatment for all people with RA is the key to preventing the disease from
worsening.
Goodrxhealth.com
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