J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2005 Dec;12(4):278-284.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Other Reproductive and Life Style Variables and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Postmenopausal Women

• Lee KH
• Lee DJ
• Kim SM
• Je SH
• Han IK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To compare the differences of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and reproductive, life style characteristics in postmenopausal women with and without rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS
A total of 360 women, 120 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 240 age matched healthy women were randomly selected from the health care center. Subjects were labeled as rheumatoid arthritis and normal menopausal women. Each group was compared for their HRT status, life style and reproductive characteristics.
RESULTS
There were significantly less HRT received subjects in RA group (50.0% vs 76.1%, respectively, OR=0.30, p<0.05). More frequently alcohol consumed in RA group (26.7% vs 11.7%, respectively, p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the history of hysterectomy and smoking as well as body mass index (BMI) between the two groups. Women with serum follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) over 40 IU/L were more frequently observed in RA group (70.0% vs 57.5%, respectively, OR=1.75, p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Increased FSH and history of alcohol drinking were more frequently observed in patients with RA, whereas history of HRT was lower in RA group comparing to that of the control. A prospective study should be designed to confirim the protective effect of HRT and reproductive characteristics on postmenopausal RA patients.

Keyword

Rheumatoid arthritis; Postmenopause; Hormone replacement therapy; Smoking; Alcohol

MeSH Terms

Alcohol Drinking
Arthritis, Rheumatoid*
Body Mass Index
Delivery of Health Care
Female
Hormone Replacement Therapy*
Humans
Hysterectomy
Life Style*
Postmenopause
Smoke
Smoking
Smoke