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Osteoarthritis linked to lower oestrogen levels27 July 2006 Osteoarthritis (OA), which causes inflammation of the joints, could be linked with lower oestrogen levels in middle-aged women, a new study in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism suggests. OA normally affects people between the ages of 40 and 50, and is more common in women. Researchers from the University of Michigan in the US carried out a study on 842 premenopausal or perimenopausal women (women just before, during and after the menopause). They found that those who developed knee OA were more likely to have lower oestrogen levels. The researchers suggest that sex hormones play an important part in the development of inflammation of tissues affected by OA, meaning women entering the menopause could be at a higher risk of developing the condition. The researchers also suggest that higher concentrations of 2-hydroxyestrone, a by-product of oestrogen production, could delay the development of knee OA by slowing the amount of inflammation in the knee joints. Earlier studies have shown that altered patterns of oestrogen production and breakdown are present in rheumatoid arthritis, a different type of arthritis. However, it has previously been suggested that this association is more likely to affect the symptoms of the disease, rather than the cause. The researchers note: "If findings are confirmed, then this helps motivate new areas of investigation for intervention." More information
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