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Testosterone and RA

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Tyler, TX
November 3, 2025
 · 
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myRAteam

How does testosterone affect rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and treatment?

The search results provided don't contain specific information about how testosterone affects RA symptoms or treatment. However, they do discuss why women are nearly three times more likely to develop RA than men, which relates to hormonal Show Full Answer

How does testosterone affect rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and treatment?

The search results provided don't contain specific information about how testosterone affects RA symptoms or treatment. However, they do discuss why women are nearly three times more likely to develop RA than men, which relates to hormonal differences.

Research shows that sex hormones play a role in RA. Women have stronger immune responses than men, which can sometimes lead to their immune systems attacking healthy tissues more readily. Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, helps control inflammation but hormonal changes throughout life can affect RA risk and symptoms.

For instance, RA symptoms often improve during pregnancy when hormone levels are elevated, but may worsen after giving birth. Women who've never given birth have a higher risk of developing RA, while breastfeeding appears to lower that risk.

The fact that men develop RA less frequently suggests testosterone may have some protective effect, but the specific mechanisms aren't detailed in the available information. If you're interested in how testosterone specifically affects your RA, this would be an excellent topic to discuss with your rheumatologist, who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual situation.

November 3, 2025
A myRAteam Member

My testosterone was a little low. My primary started me on low dose of T gel a few months ago. Within a couple weeks, the biggest thing I noticed was my skin. Felt 100% better, softer and much healthier!

May 8
A myRAteam Member

Hello. I saw a couple of questions about testosterone so maybe this will help someone. I started Testosterone therapy about 8 mos ago and for the first time got a response to an RA drug (Enbrel, last one on the list except Remicade). I was dx about 4 yrs ago and quickly went through dmards and biologics. Nothing worked. I knew I had low T, so decided to add T shortly after starting Enbrel (about 8 weeks actually). Within 4 weeks of starting T I began to improve dramatically. Symptoms went from severe (avg 7/10) to mild/moderate (3 or 4/10) and stable day to day. So to get that relief I use Enbrel every week, Hydroxychloroquine and 4mg prednisone daily, along with the testosterone. I use 2mg per day test. cream. I have been on regular HRT for yrs, it seems adding the T was the answer. Also, in case it matters, I have central (pituitary) hypothyroidism, don't know if that affects my RA in any way. Susan

May 7

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