Associations between testosterone and knee and hand osteoarthritis among males and females from the general population
Authors' conclusion
Our findings suggest a protective effect of free testosterone for CKP only in females.
Study context
- Population
- Rotterdam Study cohort, males and females aged 45 and older from the general populationmore than 8600 individuals
- Exposure
- Higher vs lower testosterone levels
- Outcome
- Prevalence, incidence and progression of radiographic OA and chronic pain outcomes in the knee and hand joints
Methodological detailspopulation-based, generalized linear models and generalized estimating equations, adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle factors and co-morbidities
- Population-based
- Generalized linear models and generalized estimating equations
- Adjusted for age, BMI, lifestyle factors and co-morbidities
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Prevalence of radiographic knee OA, females
Relative risk (95% CI)
Higher total testosterone
0.84(0.69–1.00)
Higher free testosterone
0.85(0.70–1.00)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Incidence of chronic knee pain, females
| RR (95% CI) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Higher free testosteroneNot in males | 0.85 (0.71–0.98) | |
| 0.512Relative risk (log scale) |
Severity of hand osteoarthritis (OA), males
| RR (95% CI) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Higher free testosteroneNot in females | 1.07 (1.02–1.11) | |
| Higher total testosteroneNot in females | 1.08 (1.03–1.13) | |
| 0.512Relative risk (log scale) |
Original publication
Associations between testosterone and knee and hand osteoarthritis among males and females from the general population. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Published 10 April 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →