While RA affects men and women in similar ways biologically, research shows some differences in how the disease presents, progresses, and affects overall health.
Age at Diagnosis
Men tend to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis later in life than women.
“In general, men tend to get rheumatoid arthritis in their fifties and sixties, which is later than women, who typically present with RA between their thirties and fifties. It’s unclear why that is; it may be hormonally related, but that’s still being studied,” says Dr. Greer.
Greer notes that this delay can make treatment more challenging as well. “When men come in later, they may already have more stiffness, more functional limitations, or other health issues that make management more complicated,” he says.
Disease Activity and Symptoms
In general, men with RA tend to have more swelling, joint damage, and objective signs of inflammation, says Greer, while women tend to have more pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
Treatment Response
Research suggests that men with rheumatoid arthritis may respond more quickly to certain treatments, especially when therapy is started early in the disease.
Heart and Lung Complications
Men with RA may face higher risks of certain comorbidities (coexisting conditions), particularly involving the heart and lungs, says Greer.
“It’s also more common for men with rheumatoid arthritis to get inflammatory lung disease called interstitial lung disease, especially men with RA who smoke,” says Greer.
“RA is not just a joint disease. For everyone, but men especially, we’re paying very close attention to heart health and lung symptoms, because those complications can have a big impact on long-term outcomes,” says Greer.
Emotional Impact of RA on Men
The emotional and psychological effects of RA can differ sharply between men and women, shaped in part by social expectations around masculinity, work, and stereotypes about how men have to be tough or stoic.
Research suggests that men with RA often feel pressure to appear strong and self-reliant, leading some to minimize their symptoms or delay seeking help. In interviews, men described hiding their condition at work, pushing through pain, and struggling with the loss of physically demanding roles that were central to their identity.
“Many men may feel like they’re supposed to just deal with it — they may not talk openly about pain, fatigue, or emotional stress, even when it’s affecting their quality of life,” says Greer.
RA can also affect sexual health and intimacy, due to pain, fatigue, and reduced mobility, which some men may be reluctant to talk about with their provider.
“I always encourage my male patients to bring these issues up. They’re common, they’re treatable, and they’re an important part of overall well-being,” says Greer.
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