Estrogen replacement therapy and physical function in rheumatoid arthritis

Key Points

• To evaluate the impact of estrogen replacement therapy on physical function and patient-reported outcomes in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sample included postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Participants received estrogen replacement therapy initiated early postmenopause.
• The study assessed physical function and other patient-reported outcomes.
• ERT use was associated with improved physical function and patient-reported outcomes.
• No observed increase in crude rates of cardiovascular or cancer events during the study.
• Greatest benefits of ERT seen when initiated early in postmenopause.