Women Are More Affected by Arthritis Than Men

Arthritis affects women more often than men. This is true for many -- but not all -- types of arthritis.

According to a Mayo Clinic Study, after 40 years of decline the incidence (frequency of occurrence) and prevalence (total number of cases in a given population) of rheumatoid arthritis among women is rising. From 1995 to 2005, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis among women was 54 per 100,000 compared to 36 per 100,000 for the previous 10 years. For men, the incidence was stable at 29 per 100,000.

We asked rheumatologist Scott J. Zashin, MD, to explain why more women than men have arthritis. Dr. Zashin said, "Autoimmune diseases are more common in women. Lupus is a good example of this phenomenon. Women prior to menopause, may have a 15 fold increased risk of lupus compared to men. Yet, after menopause, that risk decreases to only two fold, suggesting female sex hormones may increase the risk of lupus." Read more of what Dr. Zashin said about the hormonal influence on rheumatic disease in Women Are More Affected by Arthritis Than Men.

Related Resources:

• Early Arthritis Symptoms
• Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis
• What Are the Types of Arthritis?
• Do Men or Women Report More Pain?
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Woman Less Likely to Achieve Remission Than Men

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