- Smoking (current or past)
- Older age (Peak incidence of 50-60 years)
- Family history of RA / Genetics/inherited traits
- Female sex (Females > Males)
- Early menarche
- Irregular periods.
- Nulliparity. Women who have never given birth may be at greater risk of developing RA.
- Obesity. The more overweight a person is, the higher their risk of developing RA.
**Pregnancy and Breastfeeding decrease the risk of RA.