Successfully Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Women’s Health Advisor—November 1, 2017

Women’s Health Advisor featured HSS rheumatologist Susan M. Goodman, MD in an article about how to successfully manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in women. According to the article, women have an increased risk of developing RA.

"While it is well known that RA is more common in women than in men, the reason for this is not understood. There may be a relationship between sex hormones and RA, since women frequently report a decrease in RA activity during pregnancy. In addition, women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing RA," said Dr. Goodman.

"Patients in whom a diagnosis of RA is suspected should be promptly referred to a rheumatologist so DMARD [disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs] therapy can be initiated," she added.

Dr. Goodman noted that while it is important to begin treatment promptly, it is just as important to ensure that the treatment is achieving its goals and that disease activity is suppressed.

This article appeared in the November 1, 2017 print issue.