3: Hormonal Imbalances – The RA and Gender Connection
Hormonal imbalances have long been suspected as a contributing factor to rheumatoid arthritis. This suspicion is supported by the fact that women are more likely to develop RA than men, with some studies estimating that women are up to three times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
The female hormone estrogen is believed to play a role in the development of RA. High levels of estrogen have been shown to promote inflammation, which can contribute to the onset of RA in predisposed individuals. Furthermore, fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those experienced during pregnancy and menopause, have been linked to changes in RA symptoms.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between hormonal imbalances and RA development. It’s likely that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, alongside hormonal imbalances, contribute to the increased risk of RA in women. (3)
