Description

Women's risk of gout increases after menopause due to hormonal changes that affect uric acid metabolism and excretion. Estrogen has a uricosuric effect, meaning it promotes the excretion of uric acid through the kidneys. As estrogen levels decline during and after menopause, this protective effect is diminished, leading to higher uric acid levels in the blood. Additionally, postmenopausal women may experience changes in body composition, including increased visceral fat, which is associated with insulin resistance and can further contribute to hyperuricemia. The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to influence gout risk, although the relationship is complex. A large prospective study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that postmenopausal women had a significantly higher risk of gout compared to premenopausal women, and that this risk increased with years since menopause [1]. Another study in Arthritis Research & Therapy demonstrated that postmenopausal hormone therapy was associated with a lower risk of gout, supporting the protective role of estrogen [2]. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring uric acid levels and gout risk factors in women transitioning through menopause.