Uric Acid Symptoms in Females: What Every Woman Should Know
Medically Reviewed By
Prof. Ashok Rattan
Written By Kirti Saxena
on Apr 23, 2025
Last Edit Made By Kirti Saxena
on Jul 19, 2025
Studies show that post-menopausal women are more likely to experience hyperuricemia due to hormonal changes. Gout, a condition caused by high uric acid, is three times more common in men, but women often experience more severe joint pain once diagnosed.
Uric acid is a waste product found in the blood. It is a normal waste component, but it can become concentrated or increase in the blood (Hyperuricemia), causing health problems such as gout, kidney stones, joint and tissue damage, etc.
However, increasing lifestyle changes and dietary habits may also raise uric acid issues among Indian women. Let's explore more about uric acid, what causes its imbalance, and what symptoms and treatments women should be aware of.
What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product produced when the body breaks down purines, a substance found in certain foods and drinks. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, transfers to the kidneys, and is excreted in the urine.
However, when your body produces an excessive amount of uric acid or doesn't remove enough of it, the levels can become too high — a condition known as hyperuricemia. Conversely, hypouricemia refers to unusually low uric acid levels in the blood.
What Causes High Uric Acid in Females?
Several factors may cause high uric acid in females, including-
- Diet High in Purines:
- Red meat, seafood, lentils, and certain pulses
- Alcohol, especially beer
- Sugary foods and drinks with high fructose content
- Obesity- Too much body weight increases uric acid production and reduces its elimination.
- Kidney Dysfunction - Low kidney function is common in aging women and may lead to uric acid buildup.
- Medications - Certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills), low-dose aspirin, and chemotherapy drugs, can increase uric acid levels in the blood.
- Medical Conditions:
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Menopause- In women, menopause is the major cause of high uric acid levels. During menopause, estrogen helps remove uric acid from the body, and its levels drop significantly after menopause.
What Causes Low Uric Acid?
As compared to high uric acid, low uric acid levels (hypouricemia) can occur due to:
- Liver disorders
- Wilson’s disease (a rare genetic disorder)
- Certain cancers and chemotherapy
- SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- A diet very low in purines
Uric Acid Levels in Males and Females
These values may vary slightly based on the lab.
| Group | Normal Uric Acid Range (mg/dL) |
| Adult Females | 2.4 to 6.0 |
| Adult Males | 3.4 to 7.0 |
Symptoms of High Levels of Uric Acid in Females
A person with high or low uric levels may not have the same symptoms. The symptoms may not be visible for a long time until the levels reach an abnormal limit or start causing health problems.
Here are the most common symptoms women may experience when uric acid levels are elevated:
-
Joint Pain and Swelling
This is one of the most common symptoms of high uric acid in females. Uric acid crystals tend to accumulate in the joints, particularly in the big toe, knees, ankles, and fingers. It can feel like a sudden, intense pain that worsens at night.
-
Redness and Warmth
The affected joint may turn red, warm, and extremely tender to the touch. During a gout attack, even the weight of a bedsheet can feel unbearable.
-
Fatigue and Tiredness
High uric acid doesn’t just hurt your joints — it can also drain your energy. Many women report chronic fatigue, brain fog, and a general feeling of being “off.”
-
Frequent Urination or Burning Sensation
If uric acid begins to affect your kidneys, you may notice:
- Increased urgency to pee
- Burning or discomfort while urinating
- Lower back pain on one side
This could be an early warning sign of uric acid kidney stones.
Symptoms of a kidney stone (due to high uric acid levels)
- Back pain
- Pain in the side
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy urine smells unusual or contains blood
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue and General Weakness
- Muscle Soreness or Cramps
-
Nodules Under the Skin (Tophi)
In chronic cases, uric acid crystals can form hard lumps under the skin, known as tophi. They typically appear around joints, such as the fingers or elbows.
-
Digestive Discomfort
Some women experience loss of appetite, nausea, or even bloating due to high uric acid levels affecting metabolism and kidney function.
Women may also experience symptoms that are mistaken for arthritis or other joint-related conditions, resulting in a delayed diagnosis.
What are the Risk Factors of High Uric Acid in Females?
Women with the above-mentioned risk factors have a high chance of high uric acid:
- Age (especially over 40)
- Family History of Gout or Kidney Disease
- High Blood Pressure or Diabetes
- Frequent Consumption of Processed or Non-Vegetarian Foods
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Alcohol Intake
- Menopause and Hormonal Changes
How is Uric Acid Diagnosed in Females?
- Serum Uric Acid Test- A blood test that measures the level of uric acid in the body.
- Urine Uric Acid Test- The uric acid test measures how much uric acid is excreted in the urine over 24 hours.
Read more- Uric Acid Test - All you need to know about
When to Get Tested?
If you are constantly experiencing the symptoms of high uric acid, as mentioned above, please reach out to your doctor without delay. Here are some symptoms you should notice-
- joint pain or inflammation
- Family history of gout or kidney disease
- If you’re on medications that may alter uric acid levels
- History of kidney stones
- Fatigue or fever with joint pain
- Chronic kidney disease or high blood pressure
How to prevent high uric acid in females?
As a woman, while you don't have control over hormones, menopause, and other health issues that cause high uric acid in your blood, there are still ways you can manage your uric acid levels. Maintaining healthy uric acid levels is possible with lifestyle and dietary modifications:
- Stay Hydrated - Drink 3-4 liters of water daily to help flush toxins from your body.
- Eat a Balanced Diet—Consume a healthy and nutritious diet. Reduce your intake of purine-rich food. Try to consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Try to limit the alcohol and avoid sugary beverages like cold drinks, etc.
- Exercise Regularly - If you have high uric acid, maintaining a healthy weight can help improve kidney function.
- Avoid Crash Diets and Fasting- Do not follow any crash diet to lose weight. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.
- Get Regular Health Checkups—If you are over 30 or have a family history of gout, it is recommended that you undergo regular health checkups to assess your overall health status.
Treatment for High Uric Acid
The treatment depends on the severity and symptoms of the disease. Here are some options available for treating patients with high uric acid.
- Medications: Your doctor may recommend some medications to control uric acid levels. Do not take these medications without consulting your doctor.
- Allopurinol.
- Febuxostat
- Colchicine
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
- Dietary Adjustments: With medications, your doctor may recommend a specific diet routine.
- Low-purine diet
- Avoid red meat, organ meats, and alcohol
- Increase intake of vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges and amla)
- Natural Remedies: To naturally reduce your uric acid levels, you can try the following things–
- Cherries and berries
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon water
- Monitoring and Follow-up:
- Regular testing of uric acid every 3–6 months
- Adjusting medications as needed
The Key Takeaways
Uric acid imbalance, especially high levels, can be silently damaging for females if not addressed in time. With early diagnosis, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medication, it is possible to manage the condition effectively. Women with post-menopause or with a sedentary lifestyle should keep an eye on symptoms and go for regular health screenings.
FAQ’s
1. What happens if uric acid is high in females?
High uric acid levels in women, known as hyperuricemia, can lead to several health issues, including gout, kidney stones, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
2. What are the first symptoms of uric acid?
The initial symptoms of high uric acid may not be noticeable. However, when the levels rise, it may cause symptoms such as severe joint pain, typically in the big toe, along with redness, swelling, and sensitivity.
3. How can I reduce uric acid at home?
To reduce uric acid at home, focus on lifestyle changes such as increasing water intake, adopting a low-purine diet, and avoiding certain foods and drinks.
4. Does uric acid affect periods?
Yes, high uric acid levels can affect menstrual cycles and reproductive health in women.
5. What is normal blood uric acid for females?
The normal blood uric acid range in females is 2.5 to 6 mg/dL.
6. How do I know if my uric acid is too high?
High uric acid levels may cause symptoms such as joint pain, skin redness, the formation of small, hard lumps in the joints, kidney cramps, and other related issues.
