Rheumatoid Disorders in the Genders

Rheumatoid disorders are among the most common and well researched autoimmune diseases out there. Commonly found in the form of Rheumatoid arthritis or RA, Rheumatoid disorders effect both men and women. However, the severity and prevalence of Rheumatoid arthritis differs greatly between genders.

Background

• Rheumatoid disorders affect the immune system by causing the immune system to attack itself. In the case of Rheumatoid arthritis, the attacking immune system results in chronic inflammation of the joints. These disorders can also lead to inflammation of the tissues surrounding joints and organs throughout the body. Even though Rheumatoid disorders are chronic in nature, individuals may not experience symptoms or pain year-round. Unfortunately, Rheumatoid disorders are progressive in nature and often result in joint deterioration and even disability.

Women

• Rheumatoid disorders and arthritis have long been explored in women with little reasoning as to what triggers women to develop the disorder. According to the American College of Rheumatology, women are three times more likely to develop chronic inflammatory disease as well as other Rheumatoid disorders. In the United States, this translates to 3 percent of women developing a rheumatoid disorder every day. Women are also likely to experience much more pain when suffering with Rheumatoid disorders. While the exact cause for increased prevalence and pain in women is unknown, possible reasons include changing levels of estrogen, vitamin D deficiency and smoking.

Men

• While Rheumatoid disorders can affect men of all ages, research conducted by the University of California indicates that men are unlikely to develop a disorder under age 45. Yet, after men develop a Rheumatoid disorder, studies have shown that their joints and bones are more likely to turn into advanced degenerative conditions. Men who develop rheumatoid disorders are likely to exhibit an antibody known as anti-CCP antibodies early on in life, which allows for early diagnoses. Additionally, due to the body structure and typical bone composition in males, male patients suffering with Rheumatoid disorders are less likely to experience high levels of pain.

Treatments

• In an attempt to better understand the differences of Rheumatoid disorders on men and women, researchers at the Karolinska Institutet examined the effectiveness of treatment for men and women with RA. For men and women that begin the exact same treatment at the same time, the treatment is more likely to be effective in male patients. While the treatments tested did have a minimal effect on women, female participants experienced higher levels of joint swelling and pain than their male counterparts.