Case-control study of rheumatoid arthritis and prior use of oral contraceptives.

This study was designed to determine whether oestrogens in oral contraceptives and other drugs have a protective effect against development of rheumatoid arthritis. The medical records of 229 women with rheumatoid arthritis and 458 individually matched controls identified through the comprehensive records system for the population of Rochester, Minnesota, were examined for current and prior use of oestrogens. No association was found between rheumatoid arthritis and the use of oral contraceptives, or the use of oestrogens for menopause-related or postmenopausal symptoms.