3 days ago
Why women are at higher risk for getting arthritis
Arthritis is among the most prevalent chronic diseases on the planet, but did you know it occurs in women more than men? The CDC reports that nearly 1 out of 4 adult women in the U.S. have arthritis compared to 1 out of 5 men.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The fatigue, stiffness, and pain associated with arthritis have the potential to really affect the quality of your daily life — and for women, there are more chances, thanks to the combination of hormonal, biological, and lifestyle aspects.
So why the gender divide? Let us analyze.
1. Hormones: Estrogen's double-edged sword
Estrogen — the hormone that regulates the female reproductive system — also has a significant impact on joint health. It decreases inflammation and shields the tissues that lubricate joints to keep them moving smoothly.
But when the level of estrogen falls (as in menopause), women will usually experience stiffness, swelling, or even developing arthritis. It's particularly prevalent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a type of autoimmune arthritis that's three times higher in women than in men.
Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can all trigger hormonal changes in the body — and that influences how the immune system responds at times, sending off painful flair-ups.
2. Different bodies, different risks
Women's joints are not constructed quite the same as men's. For instance, women tend to have wider hips and more mobile joints, which can change body alignment and put extra wear and tear on knees, hips, and ankles.
They also tend to have less muscle mass, and therefore less support for the joints during daily activities or exercise. This can cause more stress on the cartilage — the cushioning tissue between bones — and an increased likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
3. Autoimmune disorders hit women more frequently
Autoimmune diseases — where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue — are a major driver of inflammatory arthritis. And women account for nearly 75% of all autoimmune disease cases.
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (which can also affect the joints) are significantly more common in women. Researchers believe this may be due to differences in genes and hormone-driven immune responses.
In autoimmune arthritis, the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and even joint deformity if left untreated.
4. Genes and epigenetics play a role
A few women are genetically predisposed to arthritis. Certain genes associated with the disease — such as HLA-DR4, commonly linked with RA — occur more often or work more powerfully in women.
There is also increased interest in epigenetics — gene activity changes brought about by environment, stress, or lifestyle.
These fine-tuned alterations may be responsible for why even women with no family history still develop arthritis, and why the symptoms are different in men and women.
5. Weight and inflammation
More body weight translates to more stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Because in most populations women are more at risk of obesity than men, this places them at higher risk for osteoarthritis.
But mechanical pressure isn't the only issue — fat tissue also sends out inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that can enhance joint damage.
The mixture of physical stress and inflammation sets the stage for arthritis to develop.
6. Women can perceive and report pain differently
Research indicates that women are likely to experience more pain than men, at least partly because their brains interpret pain signals differently. They are also more likely to visit doctors and report symptoms early, resulting in increased rates of diagnosis.
This isn't just about perception — it's about understanding and acknowledging how women experience chronic conditions differently.
Their reports of pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness are valid and deserve proper attention.
7. Repetitive stress from work and home life
Whether it's keyboard-intensive jobs, manual labour, or routine household chores, women tend to do work that puts a strain on the hands, wrists, and knees. With time, this can degrade joint cartilage and lead to arthritis.
Caregiving work — both personal and professional — tends to include physically demanding labour that puts more stress on the joints.
With underlying biological weaknesses, this lifestyle factor contributes to the risk.
Women have a distinct set of issues when it comes to arthritis — from changing hormones and autoimmune propensities to body shape and lifestyle. Being aware of these risk factors isn't only key to prevention — it also helps women become advocates for themselves and receive the care they deserve.
If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, don't brush it off as 'just aging.'
Early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of arthritis and greatly improve quality of life.
Arthritis may be more common in women, but so is resilience. With the right support, treatment, and lifestyle strategies, women can take charge of their joint health and stay active at every stage of life.
Dr. Shashikiran R, Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram , Bengaluru
