Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why is rheumatoid arthritis more common in women than in men?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Know about prosthetic jaw joint replacement and how that technology can help in other joint replacements like the shoulder, the hip, or even the spine — arthritis Learn about prosthetic jaw joint replacements and how that technology can be used for hip, shoulder, and spinal joint replacements.

While it is well-established that rheumatoid arthritis is significantly more common in women than in men—with estimates suggesting a 2:1 to 3:1 ratio—the exact reason for this disparity is not fully understood.12

Researchers generally believe that the higher prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and many other autoimmune diseases in women is likely related to the influence of hormones on immune system responses. While genetic factors and environmental triggers also play critical roles in the development of the disease, the gender-based difference remains a subject of ongoing scientific investigation.314