Sex hormone status and bone mineral density in men with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

We confirm there is reduced BMD in men with RA; corticosteroids contribute, but are not the only factor in the pathogenesis of low BMD in patients with RA; we found decreased levels of androstenedione, DHEAS, and salivary testosterone in men with RA; and salivary testosterone, as with free testosterone, is correlated with BMD in patients with RA, with lower levels contributing to low BMD.