Though widely researched, human anatomy remains one of the many mysteries that humankind strives to unravel. The entire matrix of 206 bones in the human body builds the very foundation of our existence.
However, joint pain is one condition that has plagued us from time immemorial. When one speaks of bones, rheumatoid arthritis or RA is the first medical condition that comes to mind.
One of the most prevalent of all joint health-related illnesses, causes of rheumatoid arthritis have been a troubling factor for millions across the globe. Today, in this article we are going to talk about birth control and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are more visible in women than in men and have continued to plague them with relentless pain and agony.
As the advances in medicine picked up the pace, so did the breakthroughs in how rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, prevented, and treated. Arthritis treatment in recent decades has progressed leaps and bounds while offering patients several avenues of relief from this debilitating condition. Of the numerous over-the-counter medicines available for this specific medical condition, one that truly amazes us is contraceptive pills.
As per a recent study, regular intake of contraceptive pills for seven years and more leads to lower risks of rheumatoid arthritis. The study regarding the contraceptive pills to combat the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms was carried out because women are nearly three times more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis than the male population. Therefore, researchers have deduced that the link between women and increased risk of causes of RA is most likely due to hormonal and reproductive factors.
For the study itself, researchers used data from the Swedish Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA), wherein women of ages 18 and above were selected from specific geographical locations across Sweden. The participants included 2578 women suffering from arthritis, and 4129 female volunteers were randomly selected to act as a comparison group.
The final analysis of the project revealed startling figures, wherein participants taking oral contraceptives reduced 15% risk of developing RA. Furthermore, women volunteers who were flush with ACPA (anti-citrullinated protein) antibodies showed increased resistance to rheumatoid arthritis, despite tobacco and alcohol trends present in their lifestyles.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Birth Control Pills
The study concluded that regular consumption of oral contraceptive pills for seven years could lead to an incredible 19% decrease in the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The risk reduction was also witnessed in participants who were both tested positive and negative for ACPA markers. However, researchers have stressed that the project was an entirely observational study.
Furthermore, despite extensive inquiries conducted with the participants, no concrete data on the type of oral contraceptive and the same dosage could be ascertained. Dr. Katinka Albrecht conducted the research study at the German Rheumatism Research Center in Berlin.
Though the presence of OTC medicines and now the positive effects of contraceptive pills are some of the easiest means to reduce RA development, a natural or herbal alternative for this condition is equally effective and, above all, side-effects free. One such herbal supplement for arthritis is FlexiQule. Packed with naturally occurring healing properties of Ginger Extract and Boswellia, this best supplement for arthritis joint pain is a must-have for all those suffering from signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and stiffness.
The article is based on the information available in public and which the author believes to be true. The author is not disseminating any information which the author believes or knows is confidential or in conflict with the privacy of any person. The views expressed or information supplied through this article is mere opinion and observation of the author. The author does not intend to defame, insult or cause loss or damage to anyone, in any manner, through this article.
