Women who have an
early onset of the menopause are up to 50 per cent more likely to develop a more
moderate form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
According to a new report from Skane University Hospital patients aged over
45 years with a history of early menopause have a 16 per cent chance of
developing severe RA, while the general female population had a 35 per cent
chance.
The work, which was presented at EULAR 2012, the Annual Congress of the
European League Against Rheumatism, examined the records of 134 women and also
made further associations.
According to the researchers, the use of oral contraceptive or breast
feeding history had no bearing on the severity of RA in women.
Dr Mitra Pikwer from Skane University Hospital, Sweden and lead study author
said: "We already know that hormonal factors may influence the risk of RA,
but this is the first study we know of that investigates the impact of
menopausal age on the severity of RA."
© Adfero Ltd
Private arthritis treatment news: 12 June 2012
