The Link Between Joint Pain And Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is not only linked to low energy or mood changes – it may also play a role in joint pain. New research shows that men and women with lower testosterone levels are more likely to have joint problems such as arthritis. This means hormones could be just as crucial for healthy joints as they are for muscles or overall well-being.

Arthritis is one of the most common joint problems in the world. It happens when the smooth cartilage that cushions our joints wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Studies suggest that people with low testosterone have a higher risk of arthritis and joint pain compared with those who have normal levels of the hormone (NIH study, Nature research).

This is important because joint pain is often blamed only on age, injury or wear and tear. But now, scientists are learning that low testosterone could make joints weaker and more painful, too. Understanding this connection may help doctors find better ways to protect joint health and improve quality of life.

2. Understanding Testosterone: More Than a Sex Hormone

Many people think testosterone is only about muscles or sex drive. The truth is that this hormone does a lot more. Both men and women have testosterone, although men usually have higher levels.

Testosterone helps the body in many ways. It supports strong muscles, keeps bones healthy, helps the body make red blood cells and can even affect mood and energy. In men, it is mainly produced in the testicles. In women, it is made in smaller amounts by the ovaries and the adrenal glands.

As people get older, testosterone levels naturally go down. This usually starts after the age of thirty. For some people, the change is small and slow. For others, it can be much faster and cause more problems. When testosterone is low, it can lead to tiredness, less strength, changes in mood and sometimes joint pain. Because this hormone affects muscles, bones, and the body's response to inflammation, low levels can make joints weaker and more painful.

This shows that testosterone is not just linked to sex drive. It is an integral part of the whole body and helps keep muscles, bones and joints strong so that movement stays smooth and pain-free.

How Low Testosterone Can Lead to Joint Pain

Low testosterone can affect the body in many ways. Some of these changes can make joint pain and stiffness worse.

Inflammation

Testosterone helps the body control swelling. When testosterone is low, the body makes more chemicals that cause swelling and pain. This extra swelling can damage cartilage, which is the smooth covering on the ends of bones. Over time, this can lead to arthritis or exacerbate joint pain.

Cartilage repair

Cartilage keeps joints moving smoothly. Testosterone helps the cells that repair and protect cartilage. When testosterone is low, the body cannot repair cartilage as well. This makes joints wear out faster and causes more pain.

Muscles and bones

Strong muscles and bones protect the joints. Testosterone helps keep muscles strong and bones thick. When levels drop, muscles get weaker and bones get thinner. This puts more pressure on the joints and can make injuries or pain more likely.

Weight gain

Low testosterone can also make people gain weight, especially around the stomach. Extra weight puts more pressure on joints like the knees and hips. It can also cause more swelling in the body, which adds to joint problems.

All of these changes together show why low testosterone can make joint pain worse and why looking after hormone health is vital for strong, healthy joints.

Effect of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone doesn’t just affect energy and mood—it can also impact the health of your joints and bones. Over time, this hormone imbalance may indirectly contribute to joint pain and skeletal problems.

Impact on Joints and Bones

• Reduced cartilage protection: leads to increased joint wear, friction, and discomfort.
  
  
• Higher inflammation levels: promote swelling, stiffness, and chronic joint pain.
  
  
• Lower bone density: raises the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
  
  
• Increased fat mass: adds extra pressure on joints, worsening osteoarthritis symptoms.
  
  
• Decreased muscle strength: reduces joint support, placing more strain on bones and ligaments.
  
  
• Weakened pain regulation: heightens sensitivity to persistent or chronic pain.
  
  

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

Low testosterone can affect both physical health and emotional well-being. Some of the most common signs include:

• Reduced sex drive: a noticeable decrease in interest in sexual activity.
  
  
• Persistent fatigue: feeling tired or lacking energy, even after adequate rest.
  
  
• Mood changes: increased risk of depression, irritability, or anxiety.
  
  
• Infertility: difficulty with sperm production and reduced fertility.
  
  
• Weight gain: especially increased body fat around the abdomen.
  
  
• Decreased muscle mass and strength: making it harder to build or maintain muscle.
  
  
• Thinning body and facial hair: a reduction in hair growth over time.
  
  

Low Testosterone and Osteoporosis

Long-term low testosterone levels increase the risk of developing osteoporosis—a condition that weakens bones and makes fractures more likely. Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed with a bone mineral density (BMD) test, which measures your bone strength compared to healthy standards.

While osteoporosis itself doesn’t directly cause joint pain, severe cases can lead to painful complications that may feel like joint pain. The good news is, you don’t have to live with this risk. By addressing low testosterone and taking steps to improve bone density, you can help protect your bones, reduce the chance of fractures, and maintain long-term skeletal health.

How Low Testosterone Leads to Weight Gain and Joint Stress

Low testosterone affects not only hormones. It can also change how the body stores fat. Men with low testosterone often have more body fat than men with normal levels. Sometimes this can also cause gynecomastia, which means the growth of breast tissue in men. This happens when there is too much oestrogen compared to testosterone.

Extra body fat puts more pressure on the bones and joints. Over time, this can make them weaker and cause joint pain. It also raises the chance of osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis makes the joints stiff, swollen, and painful. Around 8.5 million people in the European Union live with this condition.

The good news is that both low testosterone and weight gain can be treated. With the proper care and lifestyle changes, you can balance your hormones, control your weight, and protect your joints. It is essential to speak with a doctor to find the leading cause of the weight gain and to choose the best treatment.

Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Help?

Some people with low testosterone may be given a treatment called Testosterone Replacement Therapy, or TRT. This treatment adds more testosterone to the body. It can be given as a gel, patch, injection or tablet. The aim is to bring hormone levels back to normal and help with problems such as tiredness, low mood and joint pain.

Studies show that TRT can alleviate joint pain. In one study, over half of the men had joint pain before they started treatment. After three months, fewer men had pain. After nine months, the number went down again. After five years, only a minimal number still had joint pain (research study).

TRT can help joints in different ways. It can lower swelling in the body, which reduces pain. It can also make muscles and bones stronger, which gives better support to the joints. Some people also feel less stiff and recover faster after exercise when their testosterone levels are balanced.

But TRT is not for everyone. Doctors need to check if it is safe because it can have side effects. These can include skin problems, changes in blood, or, in some cases, a higher risk of health issues. This is why doctors usually do blood tests before and during treatment (NHS guidance).

TRT can be beneficial for some people, but it works best when combined with healthy habits like exercise, good sleep and eating well.

How Can TRT Help?

When testosterone levels return to normal, many men notice improvements in overall health. These positive changes can also ease joint pain in several ways:

Helping with weight management:

TRT restores hormone balance, which supports muscle growth and helps reduce excess body fat. When combined with healthy habits such as regular exercise and good nutrition, this can lower body weight. Less weight means less pressure on your joints, giving them the chance to recover and function better.

Increasing energy and activity:

Low testosterone often causes fatigue, making it harder to stay active. With TRT, energy levels usually improve, making exercise more achievable. Regular physical activity strengthens muscles and bones, provides better support for the joints, and helps relieve pain.

Supporting cartilage repair:

Research suggests that testosterone stimulates the production of chondrocytes, the cells that build and maintain cartilage. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones and prevents painful friction. By boosting chondrocyte activity, TRT may help repair damaged cartilage and protect joint health.

Enhancing the body’s natural pain relief system:

Testosterone is thought to play a role in how the body responds to pain. It may help that endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, work more effectively. This can reduce sensitivity to pain and make joint discomfort easier to manage.

Recognising the Signs: When Joint Pain Might Be Hormone Related

It is not always easy to know if joint pain is caused by low testosterone. Pain in the joints can also come from arthritis or an injury. But some clues can help.

When joint pain is linked to hormones, it often comes with other changes in the body. These may include feeling very tired, losing muscle, low mood, poor sleep, or less energy. The pain often builds up slowly and can happen in more than one joint at the same time.

Arthritis or injury usually looks different. Pain might start suddenly, often in one joint. It may also come with swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.

Here is a simple table to show the difference:

If joint pain happens at the same time as tiredness, mood changes, or other signs of low testosterone, it is a good idea to see a doctor. A blood test can show if hormone levels are low and if they might be part of the problem.

How to Naturally Increase Low Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone can be linked to different causes, such as injury, cancer treatment, or hormonal imbalance. The good news is that there are natural ways to help increase testosterone, and medical treatments are also available if needed.

Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone

• Exercise regularly: activities like weight lifting, high-intensity training, or even consistent moderate exercise can improve testosterone levels.
  
  
• Reduce stress: high stress increases cortisol, a hormone that lowers testosterone. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or spending time outdoors can help.
  
  
• Get enough vitamin D: sunlight exposure or vitamin D supplements support healthy hormone levels.
  
  
• Sleep well: aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.
  
  
• Follow a healthy lifestyle: keeping a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking all support hormone balance.
  
  

You can also increase testosterone naturally by eating foods rich in vitamin D and zinc, such as tuna, egg yolks, shellfish, beef, oysters, fortified cereals, and beans.

Medical Treatment

If natural methods are not enough, doctors may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). This treatment can restore hormone levels using injections, pills, gels, patches, or small pellets placed under the skin.

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone and Joint Pain

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) does not directly repair joints or remove pain, but it can restore healthy testosterone levels and help protect your bones and joints from further damage. If you are experiencing joint pain, it is crucial to see a doctor to find the actual cause.

If low testosterone is identified as the problem, your doctor may recommend TRT. Since every man’s hormone needs are different, an experienced healthcare professional can guide you to the proper hormone balance and design a treatment plan tailored to you.

When testosterone levels return to normal, many men report feeling more energetic and noticing an improvement in joint comfort. A healthy lifestyle is also essential, as it supports recovery and strengthens bones. With the proper treatment and medical guidance, you can improve bone density, prevent future joint problems, and enjoy a more active life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can low testosterone cause joint pain?

Yes, low testosterone can cause joint pain because it affects muscles, bones, and the body's inflammatory response. When testosterone levels drop, the joints lose support and may become weak, stiff, and sore over time.

What is the link between low testosterone and arthritis?

The link between low testosterone and arthritis is that low hormone levels can increase swelling and reduce cartilage repair. This makes joints wear down faster, which may lead to osteoarthritis or worsen arthritis symptoms.

Can testosterone replacement therapy help with joint pain?

Testosterone replacement therapy for joint pain may help by lowering inflammation and strengthening muscles and bones. Research shows many men feel less stiffness and discomfort after hormone treatment, but it should always be done under medical care.

How does low testosterone affect cartilage?

Low testosterone affects cartilage by reducing the ability of cells to repair and protect joint tissue. Without enough testosterone, cartilage wears away more quickly, leading to joint stiffness, reduced flexibility, and an increased risk of injury.

What are the signs of hormone-related joint pain?

Hormone-related joint pain often comes with other symptoms of low testosterone, such as tiredness, mood changes, loss of muscle, and low energy. Pain may affect several joints at once and usually builds up slowly over time.

Can women get joint pain from low testosterone?

Yes, women can get joint pain from low testosterone because this hormone also supports bone and muscle health in females. Studies show that low testosterone in women can increase the risk of arthritis, knee pain, and reduced strength.

Does weight gain from low testosterone cause joint pain?

Weight gain from low testosterone can cause joint pain because extra weight puts more pressure on the knees, hips, and lower back. Low testosterone also slows metabolism and increases swelling, which adds to joint problems.

What blood tests check for low testosterone and joint pain?

Doctors use a blood test to measure total and free testosterone levels to check if a hormone imbalance is linked to joint pain. These tests can help show if low testosterone is part of the reason for arthritis or long-term joint discomfort.

Final Thoughts: Low Testosterone and Joint Pain Relief

There are many causes of joint pain, and one of them is low testosterone. If you experience joint pain, consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause. If it's due to low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy might be the right choice. If you think you have a hormone imbalance, you can contact us to get a proper diagnosis.