Healthy Sex Hormone Levels Protect the Rotator Cuff

Men and women rely on healthy Sex Hormone Balance to maintain wellness and prevent illness. Testosterone Deficiency and Estrogen Imbalance can affect the human body in surprising ways. Hormones are critical chemical messengers that keep the body operating in organic synchronicity. We're really just beginning to understand the intricate manners by which these hormones influence the daily operations of the human body.

One study from The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery explores the effects of Sex Hormone Imbalance on the proper function of the rotator cuff. In this study, Dr. Peter Chalmers and his associates found that a man or woman's primary sex hormone levels were a predictive factor in their odds of experiencing Rotator Cuff injury. Both Testosterone and Estrogen play crucial roles in bone and joint health, and their absence puts the Rotator Cuff at risk.

The Function of the Rotator Cuff 

The Rotator Cuff is a marvel of evolution that provides humans with a huge amount of shoulder flexibility without being firmly attached to a specific point on the shoulder. This gathering of joints and muscles locks the humerus into the shoulder joint and guarantees stability without hindering range of movement. The complexity of the Rotator Cuff does come at a cost, however. The Rotator Cuff is particularly prone to injury if damage occurs to any of the tendons keeping it in place. This damage can be painful or reduce mobility. It can even cause dislocation and separation, which can have disastrous effects that lead to major surgery.

The Rotator Cuff can break down for many reasons. An acute injury can directly damage the joint, and it is also heavily impacted by routine wear-and-tear. The connections of the Rotator Cuff weaken over time, increasing the odds that you'll experience issues with the joint. Circulation problems, bone spurs, and repetitive motions also heighten the risks. The study by Dr. Chalmers explores how Testosterone and Estrogen Levels affect the Rotator Cuff in men and women, respectively.

Diving into Databases for Rotator Cuff Data

This research utilizes two databases that offer abundant data on the medical experiences of hundreds of thousands of men and women. One is the Truven Health MarketScan, and the other is the Veterans Genealogy Project. Using the Truven data, Dr. Chalmers and his team looked at almost 230,000 people that underwent Rotator Cuff surgery over the decade of 2008-1017. These men and women were matched with controls that never had to have the surgery. The researchers found that males with Testosterone Deficiency required Rotator Cuff Surgery 89% more than control. Women were similarly impacted by Estrogen Deficiency, with a 48% increased chance.

These results were then compared to numbers collected from the VA Database. The Veterans Administration collects in-depth health records for scientific study and research. This study provides a useful second opinion to corroborate the results from the Truven investigation. This means that the researchers can see how the Sex Hormone Hypothesis holds up with a second unique dataset. They found that Low Estrogen heightened the incidence of Rotator Cuff surgery by around 2.5 times control. In men, Low-T boosted the risk by three times over control.

Don't Neglect Hormone Balance!

This evidence shows how Hormone Imbalance puts men's and women's joints at risk. Testosterone and Estrogen are critical to the musculoskeletal system, and deficiency in the hormones increases the risk of osteoporosis, loss of muscle mass, and joint degradation. Catching Low-T and Estrogen Deficiency early and getting treatment can help prevent aches, pains, and surgeries later in life!