Early menopause linked to decreased risk of arthritis

Women who experienced early menopause may have a decreased risk of requiring a prescription to buy Celebrex. New research indicates that women who develop rheumatoid arthritis after experiencing early menopause tend to have less severe joint pain.

For the study, researchers from Skane University Hospital in Sweden examined the medical records of 134 women who were being treated for rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that those who went through menopause at an early stage of adulthood were 50 percent less likely to develop severe cases of arthritis.

The researchers said that hormone levels are known to influence a person's arthritis risk, but relatively little is understood about exactly how this association works. The new findings could help future investigations determine the precise role of hormones. Furthermore, it could improve diagnostic abilities.

"This is an important breakthrough, both in helping us understand the impact that hormones may have on the development of this disease and potentially also in helping us predict the long-term prognosis for our patients," said lead researcher Mitra Pikwar.