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. 1996 Nov;55(11):811–815. doi: 10.1136/ard.55.11.811

Androgens as adjuvant treatment in postmenopausal female patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A Booji 1, C M Biewenga-Booji 1, O Huber-Bruning 1, C Cornelis 1, J W Jacobs 1, J W Bijlsma 1
PMCID: PMC1010316  PMID: 8976637

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the possible beneficial effect of androgens in postmenopausal women with active rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: 107 women participated in a double blind placebo controlled trial to evaluate the effect of 50 mg testosterone propionate intramuscularly every two weeks for one year. RESULTS: An improvement in ESR, Dutch health assessment questionnaire, and pain was noted. In addition, 21% of patients treated with testosterone fulfilled the ACR improvement criteria after one year, versus only 4% of the placebo group. The treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone may improve the general wellbeing of postmenopausal women with active rheumatoid arthritis.

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Selected References

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