A new study has found that men with low testosterone levels are more likely to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease that leads to an inflammation in joints and surrounding tissues, and results in moderate to severe pain. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system starts attacking the body's tissue. What causes this disease is unknown. Genes, infection and hormones might lead to the disease, according to PubMed Health.
Now, a new study has found that sex hormones like testosterone may be associated with development of the disease in men.
The present study was based on data obtained from 33,000 people enrolled in the Swedish Malmo Preventive Medicine Program (MPMP). These people were born between 1921 and 1949. All the participants had completed a set of tests along with a questionnaire about their lifestyles. Participants' blood samples drawn after an overnight fast were also stored as part of the MPMP study.
About 73 percent of the 83 men tested positive for rheumatoid factor status, which is an antibody used to indicate the disease and find its severity.
Researchers found that men who tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis also had low testosterone levels. The link remained even when researchers accounted for other factors like smoking and body mass index.
The study also found that men diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis also had higher levels of follicle stimulating hormone, which is a chemical associated with reproduction.
The study is published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.