Menopause Heightens Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that postmenopausal women have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to premenopausal women, according to a study published in BMC Rheumatology.

Given the higher prevalence of RA in females and the role of sex hormones in immune function, researchers sought to determine whether menopausal status influences the risk, severity, or progression of RA.

They conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases in 2023, including Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, and others. Studies that explored the association between menopause and RA were identified and analyzed. The analysis revealed that postmenopausal women have a higher risk of developing RA, with an odds ratio of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.04–1.67).

Furthermore, women who experienced early menopause (defined as onset before age 45) were at an even greater risk, with an odds ratio of 2.97 (95% CI: 1.73–4.22)

The results of this analysis highlights the need for clinicians to consider menopausal status when evaluating RA risk, potentially allowing for more targeted preventive strategies and interventions for high-risk individuals, the authors stated. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective approaches for reducing RA risk in postmenopausal women.

Reference
Namavari N, Jokar M, Ghodsian A, Jahromi HK, Rahmanian V. Menopausal state and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Rheumatology. 2024;8(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s41927-024-00418-2