Testosterone can also affect the body's natural hormone production. For example, testosterone can convert into estrogen through a process called aromatization. It helps build and maintain muscle mass and bone strength.
Exercise improves blood flow, which helps joints heal. These medicines slow down the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Steroid shots can give fast relief, especially in large joints like the knee or shoulder. Corticosteroids may be used for more severe joint inflammation. This steady delivery may help the joints feel better over time. Some people may react differently to gels, patches, injections, or pellets.
These symptoms may appear in the knees, shoulders, hands, or other joints. This concern is important because joint pain can affect daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. Testosterone therapy is often used to treat low testosterone levels in men.
Founded in 1998, the Arthritis Center at Johns Hopkins is dedicated to providing quality education to patients and healthcare providers alike. Men who are obese are also at a greater risk of developing OA from excess pressure on the joints. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two common over-the-counter pain relievers that can help ease arthritis pain. Hormone therapy isn’t recommended for men with a history of prostate cancer because the cancer is hormone-driven. Over time, you may find it easier to manage your weight and take pressure off of achy joints. Hormone therapy helps improve low sex drive and energy, and can increase bone density. Testosterone replacement therapy is the most common treatment for low T.
These patterns can make it hard to tell whether testosterone therapy is the cause. Others might have symptoms similar to arthritis, where there is swelling, redness, warmth, and trouble moving the joint. It may trigger inflammation, especially in those with a history of joint problems or autoimmune conditions. This fluid can build up in the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. If these tissues become irritated or inflamed, joint pain can follow. Joint pain, also called arthralgia, means discomfort, stiffness, or soreness in one or more joints. Blood tests are often done before and during treatment to check hormone levels and watch for side effects.