Low testosterone raises arthritis risk

• April 25, 2024

Men with low levels of the hormone testosterone may have a higher risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Men and women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have a lower level of testosterone in the blood than people without the disease, which is characterized by pain, inflammation, stiffness and loss of function in the joints.

However, the researchers did not prove a cause and effect relationship between these two facts.

In this study, Swedish researchers analyzed blood samples from 104 men who were later diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as 174 men of the same age who did not contract the disease.

The average time between blood extraction and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was a little less than 13 years, but ranged from one to 28 years.

After taking into account the known risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis, such as smoking and weight, the researchers found that men with lower testosterone levels were more likely to contract the condition.

In addition, the study specifies that these men had a significantly higher level of follicle-stimulating hormone (a chemical related to sexual maturity and reproduction) before they were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

The findings suggest that hormonal changes occur before rheumatoid arthritis develops and that they could exert some influence on the severity of the disease, the researchers said.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Previous research suggests that testosterone can reduce the effects of the immune system, the researchers said.

Video Medicine: 8 Secrets to Boost Testosterone for Men and Women (April 2024).