Q: I have had osteoarthritis for many years and my doctor prescribed a hormone cream. Is this the correct medication for my condition?
A: Latest researchers show that concentrations of the sex hormones, such as testosterone in men and estrogen in women, have a positive effect on battling the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
About Osteoarthristis
Osteoarthritis in the hands
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by the breakdown and loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. If you have osteoarthritis it is most likely you are experiencing pain in your hands, feet, spine or even in your hips and knees.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause. It is often simply related to aging. As we mature, the water content of the cartilages in our bodies increases. The result of which is that the protein makeup of our cartilage degenerates. As these cartilages begin to degenerate (by flaking or forming tiny crevasses), the cushion between our joints and bones is lost, which causes friction. Such a condition can bring about pain and limit joint mobility. Repetitive use of the worn joints over the years irritates and inflames the cartilage, which leads to joint pain and swelling.
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
The use of hormone creams such as testosterone for men and estrogen for women can help rebuild the cartilage tissue, particularly in the late stages.
Clinical Studies
In a study published in he April issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology, it was shown that bioidentical hormone creams are an effective means of regenerating chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) that are present in arthritic tissue during the late stages of osteoarthritis. In this study, tissue samples were taken from 372 patients who underwent total knee replacements and were analyzed. Estrogen was seen to be present in the joint fluid of study participants but only in minimal amounts. Since this steroid is the hormone responsible for the protection of the cartilage, it became apparent that the development of osteoarthritis was due to the depletion in its production. In conclusion, the research team deduced that the best way to counter osteoarthritis is by repairing damaged tissue by applying hormone creams directly to the affected area.
The removal of the ovaries had been the primary reason for the depletion of estrogen and the result of which was osteoarthritis.
In another similar study where more than 800 women who had were tested and found positive for osteoarthritis. All these women had histories of hysterectomy and oophorectomy. The removal of the ovaries had been the primary reason for the depletion of estrogen and the result of which was osteoarthritis.
There is significant evidence that have lead many doctors to believe that the miracle cure for osteoarthritis is by using hormone creams. Not only are they safe and effective, they are also very easy to use.
Among pharmaceutical companies that manufacture bioidentical hormone creams for use by men and women Affiliates International is the most trusted. Having specialized for the last 18 years in transdermal creams for the administration of the bioidentical natural hormones testosterone, progesterone and estrogen, Affiliates International products are, in Australia, the most prescribed hormone treatments. Affiliates International portfolio of products includes Testofeme 1% Testosterone cream for Women, and Testoforte 10% Testosterone creams for Men, Progestofeme 10% Progesterone creams for Women and Estrofeme 0.8% Estrogen creams for Women.
