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Is there any connection between arthritis and being a postmenopausal woman? Or does it all just have to do with getting older?
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Women of all ages are more likely than men to have degenerative joint changes associated with osteoarthritis. This doesn't mean men don't have their share of arthritic changes affecting the joints. Aging and degenerative changes that come with aging is an issue for both sexes. But studies have linked hormone differences that may account for the gender differences.
Cartilage is sex-hormone-sensitive tissue. There are more estrogen receptors on the facet cartilage of women. The effect of this hormone is to increase motion at the joints. For example, in the lumbar spine, women have more bending motion forward and to the side and more extension backwards. More segmental motion of the vertebrae and facet (spinal) joints leads to more wear and tear and thus, a greater amount of degeneration.
So, in all age groups from early on, women show a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis. Other joint changes may occur after menopause when the estrogen levels drop. But studies to explore and understand the relationship between these two things have not been conclusive.
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