Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sex Hormones

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sex Hormones

A review of the current medical literature shows that sex hormones can actually

block some important mechanisms involved in the development of Rheumatoid

arthritis, including immunoregulation, inflammatory response, cytokine reactions,

and cartilage damage.

In premenopausal women, most studies indicate a strong correlation between

low androgen levels (DHEA, testosterone) and the progression of RA. In a study

of 49 postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis, DHEA levels were

significantly lower than in healthy controls. [Gaby, AR. Holistic Medicine. Spring,

1993: p.22]

Numerous studies have shown that men with RA often present with low

testosterone levels. Several studies have suggested that testosterone may play a

protective role in RA, with initial deficiencies setting the stage for development of

the disease.

If you are concerned or have a family history of Rheumatoid arthritis, get your levels tested. Dr. Lund has taken post graduate classes on this subject. Call her office for an appointment. 209-536-9182

References:

1. Da Silva JA, Hall GM. The effects of gender and sex hormones on

outcome in rheumatoid arthritis. Baillieres Clin Rheumatol 1992; 6(1):196-

219.

2. Masi AT. Sex hormones and rheumatoid arthritis: cause or effect

relationships in a complex pathophysiology? Clin Exp Rheumatol

1995;13(2):227-240.

3. Cutolo M, Balleari E, Giusti M, Monachesi M, Accardo S. Sex hormone

status in women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol

1986;13(60:1019-1023.

4. Benito US, Arnalich FF, Gonzalez-Gancedo P, de Miguel Mendieta E,

Gijon BJ. The hormonal changes in postmenopausal women with

rheumatoid arthritis [In Spanish]. Rev Clin Esp 1992;190(40):181-3.

5. Cutolo M, Balleari E, Giusti M, Monachesi M, Accardo S. Sex hormone

status of male patients with rheumatoid arthritis: evidence of low serum

concentrations of testosterone at baseline and after human chroionic

gonadotropin stimulation. Arthritis Rheum 1988;31(10):1314-1317.

6. Martens HF, Sheets PK, Tenover JS, Dugowson CE, Bremner WJ,

Starkebaum G. Decreased testosterone levels in men with rheumatoid

arthritis: effect of low dose prednisone therapy. J Rheum 1994;21(8):1427-

1431.

7. Spector TD, Perry LA, Tubb G, Silman AJ, Huskisson EC. Low free

testosterone levels in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 1988 47(1):65-

68.

8. Spector TD, Ollier W, Perry LA, Silman AJ, Thompson PW, Edwards A.

Free and serum testosterone levels in 276 males: a comparative study of