Rheumatoid Arthritis And Women: Why Are You Plagued By Achy, Stiff Joints?

If you're female and tired of living with achy, stiff joints, speak to a family doctor soon. You could have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition that wreaks havoc on the joints in your body. Learn how you can diagnose, manage, and keep rheumatoid arthritis under control today.

Why Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Women So Much?

RA is an autoimmune condition that affects the connective bones, or joints, in your body. Autoimmune diseases generally develop when the cells and other substances in your immune system attack the tissues and organs inside your body. In the case of RA, your immune system attacks your joints and all the tissues connected to them. The attack could be a result of different changes in your body, including hormonal fluctuations.

Women of all ages undergo hormonal fluctuations at some point in their lives. The changes can be more drastic when you enter your premenopausal years, or the years leading up to the end of your menstrual cycles. Women between 30 and 50 years of age can develop rheumatoid arthritis. The hormones in your body that control reproductive health, cellular development, and other factors tend to decline during these years.

RA doesn't just affect your joints. The condition can also affect your skin, eyes, and lungs. In some women, RA can inflame the tissues in their entire body. You may potentially experience pain, swelling, stiffness, excessive warmth, and various other symptoms when you develop RA. 

In order to combat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in women, you must see a family doctor immediately.

How Do You Bring Your RA Symptoms Under Control?

A family physician, or doctor who treats all types of health issues, can check your immune system to see if inflammation compromised it. You may undergo a full body exam, blood testing, and even hormonal testing during your visit. If you have signs of RA, a doctor can act accordingly.

Your treatment can vary but may include the following:

  1. hormone enhancement or replacement
  2. exercise and nutritional support
  3. pain medication therapy

You may also receive targeted treatment, which allows a family doctor to treat your inflammation at the source. You may need specific types of treatments to counteract the effects of your rheumatoid arthritis. The treatments may include immune system inhibitors, anti-inflammatory medications, and even surgery. A physician can go over the treatments you need during your appointments.

For more information about RA and its impact on your health, contact a medical professional. Call a business like Vidant Health to make an appointment with a doctor today.


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