Hormonal and reproductive factors in relation to the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women: a prospective cohort study with 223 526 participants
Study (n=223,526 UK Biobank participants) found some hormonal and reproductive factors (e.g. menopause <45 years; history of hysterectomy, HRT use; age during reproductive years <33) were associated with a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Source:
Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases
SPS commentary:
The use of HRT was associated with an increase in risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to non-HRT users (HR 1.46; P<0.001). The authors suggest, based on their research, that hormonal and reproductive factors should be considered in risk assessment and formulating management plans in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, there were a number of limitations to the study, including a study population unreflective of the UK, self-reporting of clinical information, and residual effects of unadjusted confounders.
According to an article in the Pharmaceutical Journal, the chair of the British Menopause Society said that the results were ‘interesting’, but that it would not change her practice or restrict any type of HRT prescribing.