Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a debilitating condition that may lead to chronic pain, joint damage and even disability.

Now, a new Finnish study reveals that women may be disproportionately affected by RA, as well as suffering more severely, HealthDay News reports.

Findings published in Arthritis Research and Therapy reveal that approximately 80 percent of RA sufferers are female.

In addition, the study found that among the 6,000 patients studied, women tended to report more severe symptoms related to their condition than men did.

Lead researcher Tuulikki Sokka suggested that differences in physical strength and musculoskeletal size between the sexes may have something to do with the difference in pain.

“The same burden of a musculoskeletal disease may appear to be more harmful to a woman than to a man,” Sokka explained, according to the news provider.

Those who suffer from joint pain may find some relief by taking herbal supplements to lessen symptoms. For example, some people have found success by taking glucosamine supplements.