+- Arthritis Forum (https://arthritisforum.org)
+-- Forum: Types of Arthritis (https://arthritisforum.org/Forum-Types-of-Arthritis)
+--- Forum: Ankylosing Spondylitis (https://arthritisforum.org/Forum-Ankylosing-Spondylitis)
+--- Thread: Ankylosing spondylitis in women (/Thread-Ankylosing-spondylitis-in-women)
Ankylosing spondylitis in women - KeithD - 04-02-2023
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and pelvis. Women can develop AS, just as men can. Some differences in the presentation and course of AS in women compared to men include:
- Age of onset: Women tend to develop AS later in life than men, with the average age of onset in the late 30s or early 40s.
- Symptoms: Women may experience different symptoms than men, such as more peripheral joint involvement and less back pain.
- Disease course: Women may experience a milder course of AS compared to men, with a slower progression of spinal involvement and less extensive fusion of vertebral joints.
- Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and the use of oral contraceptives can affect the symptoms and course of AS in women.
- Treatment: The same treatments used for men with AS, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), biologic medications, and physical therapy, can be effective in women with AS as well.