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Rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia are the two most common rheumatic diseases in the population, especially in women. In fact, it is estimated that there is a ratio of four women for every man in the case of rheumatoid arthritis and 21 to 1 in the case of fibromyalgia.
This has led to female gender being considered a risk factor for these chronic diseases. But what is the reason for this higher prevalence among women? There are no conclusive studies on this issue, but it is beginning to gain weight that in women it may be caused by hormonal or genetic cause.
“Rheumatoid arthritis affects four women for every man, while the ratio for fibromyalgia is 21 to 1,” says Dr. Laia Orpinell, a rheumatology specialist at Sagrat Cor University Hospital.
Dr. Laia Orpinell, rheumatology specialist at Sagrat Cor University Hospital
Rheumatoid arthritis: young women
Rheumatoid arthritis, which affects more than 400,000 people in Spain, usually begins to appear about 40 years old. Dr. Orpinell notes that “although it can appear at any age, it is more common in young and middle-aged women.”
The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis remain a mystery. The specialist explains that “the disease is considered multifactorial, with a predominant genetic predisposition.” Moreover, external factors such as smoking and imbalance in microbiota They can act as precipitants. “Changes in the microbiota, both periodontal and gut, may predispose to the development of this autoimmune disease,” adds Orpinell.
Symptoms and early detection
The most typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include: joint pain and inflammationespecially on the wrists, knuckles and knees, which usually appear symmetrically. “It is important to identify the disease as soon as possible so that appropriate treatment can begin,” says Dr. Orpinell, emphasizing the importance of early detection:
Treatment usually includes medicine to relieve pain and inflammation, as well as disease-modifying medications. “Our goal is to stop inflammation and prevent joint destruction,” he concludes.
Fibromyalgia: nervous system failure
Fibromyalgia is also more common in women, affecting approximately 2.7% of the world’s population. Dr. Orpinell explains that “it typically appears between the ages of 40 and 49 and develops through flare-ups, often associated with triggers such as stress or seasonal changes“.
Although there is no exact cause, they talk about the phenomenon of “central sensitization”, in which pain is perceived intensely due to a failure in the transmission of signals to the nervous system. “There are people with a genetic predisposition whose symptoms can be aggravated by factors such as infections or stress,” the specialist emphasizes.
How to keep it under control
Symptoms of fibromyalgia are numerous and include: body pain widespread, fatigue And problems with concentration. “The lack of a specific diagnostic test requires careful examination by a specialist,” explains Dr. Orpinell.
To keep it under control, you must not only take medication, but also take healthy habits. “Adapted physical activity, stress management techniques such as mindfulness and a balanced diet are essential to improve quality of life,” he concludes.