I recently had the opportunity of giving a talk to the Cardiff academic group about something that I feel is really important for patients to know: the role of gender in conditions like axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
One of the points discussed is that these conditions don’t always present in the same way for men and women. For example:
- Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): Men are more likely to show clear changes on X-rays or MRI scans. Women, on the other hand, often have less obvious scan results but may experience more pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Unfortunately, this sometimes means women wait longer for a diagnosis.
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): Men tend to have more inflammation in the spine, while women more often develop problems in the hands and feet, along with fatigue that can be harder to measure but has a big impact.
I also discussed how treatment responses can differ. Some research suggests women may not always respond as well as men to certain biologic medications, although the reasons aren’t fully understood yet. Hormones, immune differences, and even delays in diagnosis may all play a part.
My key message at the talk was that every patient’s experience matters. By recognising these gender differences, we can work towards more personalised care—choosing the right treatment and supporting each person’s quality of life.
If you’re living with axSpA or PsA, don’t hesitate to tell your healthcare team about your pain, fatigue, and daily challenges. Your voice is important in choosing the best care plan for you.
Gender Differences in Arthritis: Why They Matter
I recently had the opportunity of giving a talk to the Cardiff academic group about something that I feel is really important for patients to know: the role of gender in conditions like axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
One of the points discussed is that these conditions don’t always present in the same way for men and women. For example:
- Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): Men are more likely to show clear changes on X-rays or MRI scans. Women, on the other hand, often have less obvious scan results but may experience more pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Unfortunately, this sometimes means women wait longer for a diagnosis.
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): Men tend to have more inflammation in the spine, while women more often develop problems in the hands and feet, along with fatigue that can be harder to measure but has a big impact.
I also discussed how treatment responses can differ. Some research suggests women may not always respond as well as men to certain biologic medications, although the reasons aren’t fully understood yet. Hormones, immune differences, and even delays in diagnosis may all play a part.
My key message at the talk was that every patient’s experience matters. By recognising these gender differences, we can work towards more personalised care—choosing the right treatment and supporting each person’s quality of life.
If you’re living with axSpA or PsA, don’t hesitate to tell your healthcare team about your pain, fatigue, and daily challenges. Your voice is important in choosing the best care plan for you.