Women who experience early menopause before age 45 have nearly three times the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who undergo menopause at a typical age, according to a recent study.

The systematic review and meta-analysis explored the relationship between menopausal status and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study included data from 11 observational studies, which comprised cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs. These studies were identified through a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, conducted up to May 2023.

The researchers analyzed the data by calculating odds ratios (ORs) to assess the risk of RA in women based on their menopausal status. The results showed that post-menopausal women had a significantly higher risk of developing RA compared to pre-menopausal women, with an OR of 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.67). Furthermore, women who experienced early menopause, defined as menopause occurring before age 45, demonstrated an even greater risk of RA, with an OR of 2.97 (95% CI: 1.73–4.22).

Published in BMC Rheumatology, the study employed random-effects models for the meta-analysis and addressed heterogeneity using Cochran’s Q test and the I² index, which revealed substantial heterogeneity among studies (Q = 31.81, p < 0.001; I² = 81%) in the post-menopausal group. In addition, publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test, revealing potential bias in the early menopause group. After adjusting for this bias with the trim-and-fill method, the OR for early menopause was slightly increased to 3.16 (95% CI: 2.08–4.24).

The researchers concluded that menopausal status, particularly early menopause, is an important factor in the development of RA. These findings emphasize the need for further investigation into the biological mechanisms linking menopause and RA, with the potential to guide preventive strategies and targeted interventions for women at high risk. The study highlights the association between early menopause and RA, suggesting a potential area for future research to better understand this relationship.

Full disclosures can be found in the published study.