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Have you noticed how joint issues seem to affect more women than men, especially with age? It’s not a coincidence—science confirms it. Studies show that women are disproportionately affected by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Nearly 60% of all arthritis cases globally are in women. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in particular, impacts three times more women than men, often surfacing between the ages of 30 and 60. Osteoarthritis (OA), the more common wear-and-tear type, also becomes more prevalent after menopause.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Venkatesh Movva, a Specialist in Regenerative Medicine at RegenOrthoSport in Hyderabad and Dallas, talked about why women are more prone to osteoarthritis and RA as they age.

What’s Causing This?

There are a few key reasons:

Hormonal shifts, especially the drop in estrogen post-menopause, play a big role. Estrogen helps keep bones and joints healthy. When it decreases, joints become more prone to inflammation and damage.

Joint structure and biomechanics also differ in women. Wider hips, for example, can place more strain on the knees, explaining why knee osteoarthritis is more common in women.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, women are genetically more susceptible due to how their immune systems function.

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Symptoms To Look Out For

  1. Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
  2. Fatigue, especially in the case of rheumatoid arthritis
  3. Pain that worsens after activity (for osteoarthritis) or morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes (common in RA)

What Can Women Do?

Early diagnosis and proactive management make a huge difference. While rheumatoid arthritis needs to be managed by a rheumatologist using medications to control the immune response, osteoarthritis, especially in early to moderate stages, has non-surgical options.

This is where regenerative therapies come into play.

At RegenOrthoSport, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) injections are offered. These treatments use the body’s natural healing elements to reduce inflammation and help repair joint tissues, especially effective for women who want to avoid or delay joint replacement.

Though regenerative therapy doesn’t cure rheumatoid arthritis, it can help relieve joint symptoms when there’s local damage, working alongside a primary RA treatment plan.

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Aging doesn’t have to mean aching. With better awareness, early screening, and the right treatment path—including advanced options like regenerative therapies—women can stay active and mobile for longer.

At last, Dr. Venkatesh Movva, Specialist in Regenerative Medicine at RegenOrthoSport, said, “Joint health is deeply personal. But it’s not something women need to accept as a given with age; there are options available, and help is within reach.”