Women are 2–3 times more likely to develop RA than men.[1] The increased incidence of RA (and autoimmune disease in general) in women can be partially explained by the effects of higher estrogen levels on the immune system, but the exact role of hormones in the development of RA is not well understood.
Why is rheumatoid arthritis more prevalent in women compared to men?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than men, which may be partially attributed to the effects of higher estrogen levels on the immune system. However, the precise role of hormones in RA development remains unclear.