Some scientists speculate that female hormones may play a role in ankylosing spondylitis, a condition that causes spinal inflammation. However, the link is largely unclear.
Most studies investigating the effect of female hormones on the condition consider the role of estrogen. To date, however, this research has not been able to determine whether estrogen may influence ankylosing spondylitis or vice versa.
This article considers the possible link between estrogen and ankylosing spondylitis.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
As a
One reason for this change is that females are more likely to receive a delayed diagnosis.
The review also notes that the condition typically manifests differently in males and females. Females show higher rates of disease activity and a greater likelihood of developing extra-articular manifestations (EAMs). These are issues that do not affect the joints.
Examples of EAMs include:
- psoriasis
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- enthesitis, which is inflammation of the entheses (tissues connecting bones to tendons or ligaments)
In contrast, males are more likely to show higher rates of joint damage and progression on radiographs.
The review notes that the sex hormone estrogen may play a role in these differences since estrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect on ankylosing spondylitis.
However, the authors add that research into the role of estrogen in the condition has provided conflicting results and requires further investigation.
Learn more about ankylosing spondylitis.
Males and females may experience many of the same ankylosing spondylitis symptoms.
The
Ankylosing spondylitis pain may also differ from person to person. Some may experience mild, intermittent pain, while others may experience severe, chronic pain.
Other possible symptoms include:
- pain, inflammation, and stiffness in other joints
- difficulty taking deep breaths due to inflammation of the connective tissues between the ribs
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- tiredness or fatigue
According to the
- psoriasis symptoms,
such as: - red or discolored skin patches with silvery-white scales that may itch or burn
- dry, cracked skin that is prone to itching or bleeding
- nail thickening, ridging, or pitting
- IBD symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea
- enthesitis symptoms, such as atypical bone growths, pain, and stiffness, especially when moving
As the
However, treatments can help delay or prevent fusion of the joints in the spine and alleviate symptoms.
The NIAMS outlines three main treatment approaches:
Physical therapy and exercise
Physical therapy can help relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and improve posture and flexibility.
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms can worsen when a person is inactive, so it is important to exercise regularly.
A physical therapist will put together an exercise program, which may include one-on-one physical therapy and group exercises.
Medications
Some medications doctors may prescribe to treat AS include:
- pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- biologics (medications derived from living organisms), such as anti-TNFs
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
- corticosteroids
- disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which can help slow the progression of arthritic diseases
Surgery
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), most people with ankylosing spondylitis will not require surgery. Doctors typically reserve surgery for joints that are severely damaged and causing severe pain or disability.
Learn moreLearn more about the treatment and management of ankylosing spondylitis.
As the NHS explains, the outlook for people with ankylosing spondylitis varies from person to person. Some find the condition improves following an initial period of inflammation, while others find it worsens over time.
A person may be able to continue most of their day-to-day activities, or they may develop severe disability due to fusion of the bones in their spine and damage to other joints.
With treatment, most people with the condition will have a near-typical life expectancy. However, the condition increases the risk of potentially life threatening health problems, such as:
Below are some answers to common questions about ankylosing spondylitis.
Does ankylosing spondylitis affect menstruation?
It is not clear that ankylosing spondylitis has any direct effect on menstruation. However, a drug called adalimumab, which
A
Some symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, such as weight loss and reduced appetite, may also affect menstruation if they are severe.
Severe calorie restriction can stop periods and affect the production of hormones needed for ovulation.
Can menopause make ankylosing spondylitis worse?
Medical professionals generally consider estrogens to be pro-inflammatory. With menopause and decreased estrogen, joint pain and mild arthritis may develop.
If a person chooses estrogen replacement therapy, the joint pain can decrease in some people. However, studies have not explicitly noted this in cases of ankylosing spondylitis.
The Axial Spondyloarthritis Support Program (ASSP) of Australia explains that when estrogen levels drop during menopause, inflammation may increase, resulting in greater disease activity and worsening arthritis symptoms.
However, the ASSP adds that there is insufficient research to properly determine the effect of menopause on ankylosing spondylitis.
A
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine.
Some researchers have speculated that female hormones may play a role in ankylosing spondylitis, as it tends to manifest differently in people of different sexes. Certain symptoms appear to be more common among females than males.
Some studies suggest estrogen may help protect against inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis, but further research is necessary to better understand the role of estrogen in the development and progression of the condition.