A review of the current medical literature points toward a surprisingly strong role for sex hormones in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Experimental research 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. For this reason, sex hormones are cited as independent risk factors in RA.1

In premenopausal women, most studies indicate a strong correlation between low androgen levels (DHEA, testosterone) and the progression of RA. This is believed to partly explain the high preponderance of RA among women, particularly during child-bearing years.2 Interestingly, postmenopausal women with RA seem to show higher levels of both testosterone and DHEA compared to controls,3 suggesting that increased amounts of androgens exert a beneficial effect on the clinical presentation of the disease.4

Numerous studies have shown that men with RA often present with low testosterone levels.5 Although this deficiency is sometimes associated with low dose prednisone therapy used to treat symptoms,6 several studies have suggested that testosterone may play a protective role in RA, with initial deficiencies setting the stage for development of the disease.7,8

The Male Hormone Profile evaluates levels of diurnal testosterone activity in men, enabling the clinician to correct imbalances in secretion patterns.

The Female Hormone Profile evaluates activity of the female sex hormones estradiol and progesterone over a 28-day period, and includes an assay of testosterone.

The comprehensive version of both profiles includes measures of DHEA and cortisol, providing a more complete picture of how hormone activity may be impacting rheumatoid arthritis and its related treatment conditions.

The Women's Hormonal Health Assessment provides a focused overview of hormonal balance in both pre- and post-menopausal women, using a single serum sample to evaluate dynamics of sex steroid metabolism that can profoundly affect a woman's health throughout her lifetime.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or 818 707-3126.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

All lab tests can be done through the mail in the privacy of your own home, except blood tests, we send you to a lab to have your blood drawn for these. After you pay for the test we mail you the kit, the results take two weeks, the test results will be mailed to us and we will call you to go over the results, its that easy! All tests include the consultation for the report of findings.

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 rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and healthy controls. Clin Rheumatol 1989;8(1):37-41