Health

Are There Certain Women More Prone to Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is more prevalent in women, are there certain women more prone to rheumatoid arthritis? Learn about the different risk factors for developing RA in women by joansimonds
Estimated reading time: 3 min 12 sec
Are There Certain Women More Prone to Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which affects the joints leading to inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain. It typically begins with the small joints in the hands and feet and then moves to other parts of the body.

Although RA can affect anyone of any age, it is more prevalent in women. According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 1.5 million Americans have RA, and 75% of them are women. This begs the question, are there certain women more prone to rheumatoid arthritis?.

Genetics

One of the main risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis is genetics. There are certain genes that have been linked to an increased risk of developing RA.

Women who have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop the disease. The specific genes implicated in RA are human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. These genes are responsible for producing proteins that help the immune system identify foreign substances.

It is believed that specific variations in the HLA genes make individuals more susceptible to RA.

Hormones

Hormones also play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Women have higher levels of estrogen which has been linked to the disease. Estrogen is a hormone known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

When estrogen levels decrease, women are more susceptible to developing RA. Women who have had early onset of menopause have an increased risk of developing RA. This suggests that estrogen may have a protective effect against RA.

Reproductive Health

Several studies have indicated a link between reproductive health and rheumatoid arthritis. Women who have given birth have a reduced risk of developing RA. Conversely, women who have never given birth are more likely to develop RA.

This suggests that pregnancy hormones may help protect against the development of RA.

Smoking

Smoking is also a risk factor for developing RA. Studies have shown that smokers, especially those with a genetic predisposition to RA are more likely to develop the disease than non-smokers.

Related Article Identifying Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Women Identifying Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Women

Smoking causes inflammation in the body and can increase the likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases such as RA. According to the Arthritis Foundation, quitting smoking can decrease the risk of developing RA.

Obesity

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of several diseases. The association between obesity and rheumatoid arthritis is not yet clear.

However, some studies have suggested that there may be a link between being overweight and an increased risk of developing RA. Carrying excess weight can put extra strain on the joints leading to inflammation. Furthermore, adipose tissue produces cytokines which are proteins that stimulate inflammation in the body.

It is believed that obesity causes chronic inflammation which can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases such as RA.

Age

As previously mentioned, rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone of any age. However, it is more prevalent in women who are over the age of 60. Women who have gone through menopause are more likely to develop RA.

The decline in estrogen levels after menopause may be a contributing factor to the development of RA in older women.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as pollution, exposure to chemicals, and infections have also been linked to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Women who work in certain occupations such as hairdressing, agriculture, and cleaning may be more susceptible to developing RA. This is because they are exposed to chemicals that may act as triggers for autoimmune diseases. Additionally, infectious agents such as viruses may trigger RA in some individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several factors that can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis in women. These include genetics, hormones, reproductive health, smoking, obesity, age, and environmental factors.

Although there is no sure way to prevent RA, adopting a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing exposure to environmental triggers, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of developing RA.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check Breaking Barriers: Discovering Diabetes Half a Century Early Breaking Barriers: Discovering Diabetes Half a Century Early Age and fertility: Is there a link? Age and fertility: Is there a link? Risk factors for maternal mortality during pregnancy Risk factors for maternal mortality during pregnancy Do you tire easily? Know your risk for heart disease and stroke Do you tire easily? Know your risk for heart disease and stroke Determining the most accurate pressure measurement technique Determining the most accurate pressure measurement technique Is Bacon a Major Contributor to Bowel Cancer? Is Bacon a Major Contributor to Bowel Cancer? How likely is depression in 15-year-olds? This tool will tell you How likely is depression in 15-year-olds? This tool will tell you Pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis face challenges Pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis face challenges A majority of young women can’t locate their own vaginal opening. A majority of young women can’t locate their own vaginal opening. Does Sugar Increase the Risk of Dementia? Does Sugar Increase the Risk of Dementia? Examining the Fundamental Differences between Male and Female Heart Attacks Examining the Fundamental Differences between Male and Female Heart Attacks Female-specific risk factors for asthma Female-specific risk factors for asthma Estrogen: Friend or Foe of a Woman’s Health? Estrogen: Friend or Foe of a Woman’s Health? Understanding why dandruff eventually forms Understanding why dandruff eventually forms The link between stretch marks and cancer The link between stretch marks and cancer What leads to male sterility? What leads to male sterility? Gender Disparities in Anemia Incidence Gender Disparities in Anemia Incidence Non-pharmaceutical Relief: Acupuncture for Musculoskeletal Diseases Non-pharmaceutical Relief: Acupuncture for Musculoskeletal Diseases The Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Symptoms & Risk Factors The Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Symptoms & Risk Factors Egg Freezing: A Women’s Guide to Timing Egg Freezing: A Women’s Guide to Timing Exploring the link between viruses and female infertility Exploring the link between viruses and female infertility Avoid These Common Fertility Blockers Avoid These Common Fertility Blockers Wireless Contraception: Limitless Possibilities Wireless Contraception: Limitless Possibilities The Sugar Lover Gene: What Causes Women to Crave All Things Sweet The Sugar Lover Gene: What Causes Women to Crave All Things Sweet Could Alzheimer’s disease be spread among humans? Could Alzheimer’s disease be spread among humans? Risk of thrombosis remains high after coronary infection Risk of thrombosis remains high after coronary infection Gaps in Insurance Coverage for Women’s Health Problems Gaps in Insurance Coverage for Women’s Health Problems Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider Exploring the causes of dandruff’s eventual arrival Exploring the causes of dandruff’s eventual arrival Every year, osteoporosis claims the lives of many older adults. Every year, osteoporosis claims the lives of many older adults.
To top