Why Women Are at Greater Risk for Developing Arthritis.
The studies have revealed
that women are at more risk than men. In this article we will try to focus
light on some factors which are responsible for arthritis.
Besides women are likely to
be more active than men, there are some genetic, hormonal and other general factors
which contribute.
Hormonal factors:
Estrogen plays an important part in
maintaining bone strength. Starting at about age 30 through onset of menopause,
women lose a small amount of bone every year as a natural part of the aging
process. When women reach menopause and estrogen levels decrease, the rate of
bone loss increases for approximately 8 to 10 years before returning to
premenopausal rates
There is a direct relationship between the
lack of estrogen during perimenopause
and menopause and the development of osteoporosis (type of
arthritis). Early menopause (before age 40) and any prolonged periods in which
hormone levels are low and menstrual periods are absent or infrequent can cause
loss of bone mass.Genetic factor:
The X-chromosome-specific genes were among 14 newly identified genes in both women and men that can lead to rheumatoid arthritis, adding to the 32 genes previously pinpointed by the researchers at the Arthritis Research U.K. Epidemiology Unit at the University of Manchester and their colleagues.
It is believed that these 46 genes account for the vast majority of genes associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The research could lead to new treatments for the disease, according to the study published online recently in the journal Nature Genetics.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, the arthritis associated with aging and wear and tear. It frequently starts between the ages of 25 and 55, and causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in swelling, stiffness, pain and reduced joint function.
Pregnancy:
The fact about pregnancy as the cause of arthritis is not confirmed but there are some conjectures that point to that. It is believed that since pregnancy causes the cell-mediated immunity to decrease, it can be the cause of pregnancy. Similarly, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines being up during pregnancy, it will have an effect on RA. Other conjectures are effect of hormonal changes in pregnancy, pregnancy’s effect on humoral immunity, altered neutrophil function and the degree of inconsistency between the mother and fetus.
The relation between rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy becomes more evident after delivery. The flare up of RA in the postpartum period is due to decrease in anti-inflammatory steroid level, increased levels of prolactin, change in neuroendocrine axis and the shift from a TH2 to a helper T-cell 1 cytokine profile. Whatever be the cause, there has not been any clear link established between pregnancy and how it affects rheumatoid arthritis.
Statistically speaking, it has been found that women with RA have a greater chance of premature births and neonatal problems. The risk of miscarriage and also congenital abnormalities are much higher in women with RA. Pregnancy as a cause of Rheumatoid arthritis may or may not be true, but you can be rest assured that it can lead to complications after pregnancy. Contact your health care provider to understand whether you are likely to be affected with the disease with the onset of pregnancy or not.
Lifestyle:
Lifestyle and environmental factors such as
smoking, diet, pregnancy and infection are believed to play a role in
rheumatoid arthritis, but a person's genes also influence their risk for the
disease. The condition affects about 1 percent of the world's population.
The experts discovered that the
following factors increased the risk of developing RA:
- smoking
- obesity
- having diabetes
A previous study in BMJ indicated that women who drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per week, for a minimum period of 10 years, have a 50% lower risk of developing RA than females who drink no alcohol.
The results of this study could be used to create a simple screening tool that doctors can use to identify patients with an increased risk of developing RA.
Those high-risk individuals could then be given advice on how to lower their risk of developing the disease.
Ethnicity:
Research has shown that Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Additionally, hip fractures are twice as likely to occur in Caucasian women as in African-American women. However, women of color who fracture their hips have a higher mortality
If you tend to eat night shaded vegetables more often such as tomatoes, egg plants etc. you probably have to change in your diet structure. The studies have shown that this vegetable triggers the arthritis. And citrus fruits such as Grape fruit, oranges are also likely to create the same effect.
Following are multiple ways you can protect yourself from arthritis:
Exercise:
Establish a regular exercise program. Exercise makes bones and muscles stronger and helps prevent bone loss. It also helps you stay active and mobile. Weight-bearing exercises, done at least three to four times a week, are best for preventing osteoporosis. Walking, jogging, playing tennis, and dancing are all good weight-bearing exercises. In addition, strength and balance exercises may help you avoid falls, decreasing your chance of breaking a bone.
Eat foods high in calcium:
Getting enough calcium throughout your life helps to build and keep strong bones. The U.S. recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium for adults with a low-to-average risk of developing osteoporosis is 1,000 mg (milligrams) each day. For those at high risk of developing osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women, the RDA increases up to 1,500 mg each day. Excellent sources of calcium are milk and dairy products (low-fat versions are recommended), canned fish with bones like salmon and sardines, dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, collards and broccoli, calcium-fortified orange juice, and breads made with calcium-fortified flour.
Supplements:
.
Vitamin D:
Your body uses vitamin D to absorb calcium. Being out in the sun for a total of 20 minutes every day helps most people's bodies make enough vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish like salmon, cereal and milk fortified with vitamin D, as well as from supplements. People aged 51 to 70 should have 400-800 IU daily. More than 2,000 IU of vitamin D each day is not recommended -- without first talking to your doctor -- because it may harm your kidneys and even lower bone mass.
Estrogen:
Estrogen, a hormone produced by the ovaries, helps protect against bone loss. It is used as treatment for the prevention of osteoporosis. Replacing estrogen lost after menopause (when the ovaries stop most of their production of estrogen) slows bone loss and improves the body's absorption and retention of calcium. But, because estrogen therapy carries risks, it is only recommended for women at high risk for osteoporosis and/or severe menopausal symptoms. To learn more, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of estrogen therapy.
Avoid certain medications:
Steroids, some breast cancer treatments (such as aromatase inhibitors), drugs used to treat seizures (anticonvulsants), blood thinners (anticoagulants), and thyroid medications increase the rate of bone loss if not used as directed. If you are taking any of these drugs, speak with your doctor about how to reduce your risk of bone loss through diet, lifestyle changes and, possibly, additional medication
Other preventive steps:
Limit alcohol consumption and do not smoke. Smoking causes your body to make less estrogen, which protects the bones. Too much alcohol can damage your bones and increase the risk of falling and breaking a bone
