Shoulder injuries are common among athletes and non-athletes alike. These injuries can be caused by a number of factors such as overuse, trauma, and poor biomechanics.

However, recent research suggests that hormones also play a significant role in increasing the risk of shoulder injuries. In this article, we will explore the role of hormones in shoulder injury risk.

Testosterone

Testosterone is an androgen hormone produced primarily in the testes of males and the ovaries of females. It is important for the development of muscle mass and strength, bone density, and the production of red blood cells.

However, high levels of testosterone have been linked to an increased risk of shoulder injuries in athletes.

A study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery found that male athletes with high levels of testosterone were more likely to experience shoulder injuries.

The researchers suggest that this is because testosterone promotes muscle growth but also makes the muscles stiffer and less flexible, increasing the risk of tears and strains.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced mainly by the ovaries. It is important for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and the maintenance of bone density.

However, low levels of estrogen have been linked to an increased risk of shoulder injuries in women.

A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that women with low levels of estrogen were more likely to experience shoulder injuries.

The researchers suggest that this is because estrogen plays a role in maintaining the strength and integrity of tendons and ligaments, and low levels of estrogen can lead to weakening of these tissues and an increased risk of tears and strains.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress. It is important for regulating blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and suppressing the immune system.

However, high levels of cortisol have been linked to an increased risk of shoulder injuries.

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that athletes with high levels of cortisol were more likely to experience shoulder injuries.

The researchers suggest that this is because cortisol promotes the breakdown of muscle tissue and inhibits muscle growth and repair, leading to a weaker and more vulnerable shoulder joint.

Growth hormone

Growth hormone is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is important for promoting growth and repair of tissues, including muscles, bones, and tendons.

However, high levels of growth hormone have been linked to an increased risk of shoulder injuries.

A study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that athletes with high levels of growth hormone were more likely to experience shoulder injuries.

The researchers suggest that this is because growth hormone promotes the growth and repair of muscles but also causes them to become thicker and less flexible, increasing the risk of tears and strains.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)

Insulin-like growth factor 1 is a hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone. It is important for promoting growth and repair of tissues, including muscles, bones, and tendons.

However, high levels of IGF-1 have been linked to an increased risk of shoulder injuries.

A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that athletes with high levels of IGF-1 were more likely to experience shoulder injuries.

The researchers suggest that this is because IGF-1 promotes the growth and repair of tissues but also makes them thicker and less flexible, increasing the risk of tears and strains.

Thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones are important for regulating metabolism, energy production, and growth and development. However, low levels of thyroid hormones have been linked to an increased risk of shoulder injuries.

A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that athletes with low levels of thyroid hormones were more likely to experience shoulder injuries.

The researchers suggest that this is because thyroid hormones play a role in maintaining the strength and integrity of tendons and ligaments, and low levels of thyroid hormones can lead to weakening of these tissues and an increased risk of tears and strains.

Conclusion

Hormones play a significant role in increasing the risk of shoulder injuries. Testosterone and growth hormone promote muscle growth but also make the muscles stiffer and less flexible, increasing the risk of tears and strains.

Estrogen, cortisol, IGF-1, and thyroid hormones play a role in maintaining the strength and integrity of tendons and ligaments, and low levels of these hormones can lead to weakening of these tissues and an increased risk of tears and strains. Athletes and individuals who participate in physical activity should be aware of their hormone levels and take steps to optimize them to reduce the risk of shoulder injuries.