Study: Why RA is Rising in Women

According to a new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, women are two to three times more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Additionally, the rate of RA in women is starting to creep up after 40 years of decreasing.

The researchers offered three theories on why this might be the case:

1. Oral contraceptives. Earlier research found that oral contraceptives actually helped protect women from developing RA, However, newer pills on the market contain lower doses of synthetic estrogen. This decrease could be leading to less protection against RA. 
2. Smoking. While smoking in the U.S. is on the decline, women are kicking the habit more slowly than men. Smoking is one of the biggest factors for developing RA in both men and women. 
3. Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency has been on the rise among women during recent years. The deficiency has been tied to a higher risk of developing RA. 

The researchers believe that women's increased risk could be a combination of any of the three factors listed above rather than solely due to one of them. There could also be other factors that have not yet been identified. 

To learn more, click here.