What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, heat, redness, and pain in one or more joints in the body. It is very common and can negatively affect joint mobility, making life difficult for sufferers. There are many different types of arthritis, but the two most common are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): One of the most common autoimmune diseases. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks the synovial membrane of the joints, causing damage, pain, swelling, and fluid in the joints.
Osteoarthritis (OA): This disease damages most of the tissues in your joints, including the cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, and ends of your bones. As osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage becomes thinner and stiffer, making you more likely to feel pain.
Causes that put women at high risk of arthritis
“Arthritis is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, with women being affected more than men,” said Dr Kavita Krishna, Director of Internal Medicine, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, Pune (India).
Hormonal changes
“One of the most important aspects of the development of arthritis in women is the influence of hormones, especially estrogen,” says Dr. Krishna. “Estrogen has a protective effect on cartilage, the tissue that cushions the joints.” This hormone helps maintain joint health and reduces inflammation, which is important in preventing the onset of arthritis. However, estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout a woman’s life due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
Menopause
Postmenopausal women often experience a sharp drop in estrogen, which is associated with increased rates of OA. Lower estrogen levels can accelerate cartilage breakdown, leading to joint pain and stiffness. This is why many women often experience arthritis symptoms that begin or worsen after menopause.
Pregnancy and postpartum
“Pregnancy involves a complex series of hormonal changes, including an increase in relaxin, a hormone that loosens ligaments in preparation for childbirth,” adds Dr Krishna. “This can affect joint stability and potentially increase a woman’s risk of arthritis, particularly in the hips, knees and other weight-bearing joints.”
Weight
According to Dr. Krishna, obesity is a major cause of arthritis in both women and men. Obesity not only increases stress on the joints, but also contributes to the progression of osteoarthritis. Weight gain is common during menopause, so this may partly explain the increase in arthritis in women.
