Yes, osteoarthritis is extremely common in women aged 40 and above
After age 40, the incidence of osteoarthritis increases dramatically in women, with prevalence reaching approximately 70% in women over 65 years, compared to 60% in men of the same age. 1
Age-Related Prevalence Pattern
It is rare for osteoarthritis to develop before age 40, but after this threshold the incidence increases dramatically, especially in women. 2
Women have a slightly greater prevalent risk of hand osteoarthritis than men, with a relative risk of 1.23 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.34) for prevalence. 2
The prevalence of osteoarthritis affects approximately 50% of persons aged 65 and older, increasing to 85% in those 75 and older. 2
When using a cut-off of 40 years, age has a likelihood ratio of 3.73 (95% CI 2.69 to 5.18) as a diagnostic criterion for hand osteoarthritis. 2
Gender-Specific Pattern After Age 40
The gender difference in osteoarthritis is distinctly age-dependent: women have lower incidence before age 40 but significantly higher incidence after this age compared to men. 2, 3
This dramatic shift at age 40 is attributed to hormonal changes, particularly the reduction in estrogen associated with menopause. 2
Menopausal status is recognized as an independent risk factor for hand osteoarthritis. 2, 3
The hormonal influence is so significant that sex hormones may directly influence the development of osteoarthritis in women, though hormone replacement therapy studies have not consistently shown protective effects. 2
Clinical Implications for Women Over 40
With typical features of osteoarthritis (pain on usage, mild morning stiffness, characteristic joint involvement), a confident clinical diagnosis can be made in adults aged over 40. 2
Risk factors particularly relevant to women over 40 include: female sex, increasing age, menopausal status, obesity, higher bone density, greater forearm muscle strength, and joint laxity. 2
Hand osteoarthritis commonly targets distal interphalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and thumb base joints in this population. 2
Nearly 12% of people aged 65 and older report activity limitations specifically due to arthritis. 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Never dismiss osteoarthritis symptoms as "just part of normal aging"—this is explicitly rejected by expert consensus. 2 The fact that osteoarthritis prevalence increases with age does not mean it is an inevitable or untreatable consequence of aging; it represents a disease process requiring active management through exercise, weight control, and appropriate interventions.