Estrogen replacement therapy and physical function in rheumatoid arthritis
Main finding · HAQ scoreResult — go to the resultβ −0.02 95% CI −0.03 to −0.01Authors' conclusion
ERT use was modestly associated with improved physical function and other patient-reported outcomes in postmenopausal women with RA, with the greatest benefits seen in early postmenopausal initiation.
Study context
- Population
- Postmenopausal women with RA, Forward, the National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases (2000–22)matched cohort
- Participants
- 8,246 women
- Exposure
- Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) users vs matched non-users
- ERTn = 4,123
- Outcome
- Physical function (HAQ)
Methodological detailsmatched 1:1 on menopause year or ERT initiation, generalized estimating equations, propensity score sensitivity analyses
- Matched 1:1 on menopause year or ERT initiation
- Generalized estimating equations
- Propensity score sensitivity analyses
Main finding
HAQ score
β
−0.02
95% CI −0.03 to −0.01
P < 0.001
As reported in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Later menopause and HAQ (per year after menopause)
- β per year after menopause
- −0.008 (95% CI −0.03, −0.01; P < 0.001)
ERT initiated within 5 years of menopause
- Greater benefits
Propensity score sensitivity analyses
- Confirmed findings; additional improvements in patient-reported outcomes
Safety
Cardiovascular or cancer events
- No excess crude rates observed
Original publication
Estrogen replacement therapy and physical function in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 24 April 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →