Joint Pain and Supplements

[steve-wv]

I've been on TRT approx. 15 months. I've kind of posted on this before but still really searching. I never had any joint pain prior to TRT. it started out in right shoulder and now its the left also. it's to the point I can barely work out or sleep. I went to the doc and said it was a labrum tear/ shoulder impingement (without performing MRI) but now my left is also getting worse. It's popping and cracking all the time. I personally don't think its tore because sometimes it feels fine. What kind of supplement would help with this? Could it be arthritis or osteoarthritis ? I am 45,6'0, 225 lbs. good shape. Estrogen level good. any recommendations would be appreciated . I take approx. 1000 mg of fish oil, multivitamin daily.

 

[Vince Carter]

When I've had shoulder pain impingement, even a diagnosis of AC joint inflammation and a cortisone shot, was tied to tightness in my pec minor. Using a lacross ball and rolling throughout my chest several times per week alleviated most all of my shoulder problems.

 

[Sean Mosher]

I've had pretty decent success with Glucosamine and Collagen.
Especially during seasons of heavy squats and deadlifs

 

[Vince]

This is what I do. https://www.excelmale.com/forum/sho...der-pain-relief-Hanging-for-Healthy-Shoulders

 

[madman]

I've been on TRT approx. 15 months. I've kind of posted on this before but still really searching. I never had any joint pain prior to TRT. it started out in right shoulder and now its the left also. it's to the point I can barely work out or sleep. I went to the doc and said it was a labrum tear/ shoulder impingement (without performing MRI) but now my left is also getting worse. It's popping and cracking all the time. I personally don't think its tore because sometimes it feels fine. What kind of supplement would help with this? Could it be arthritis or osteoarthritis ? I am 45,6'0, 225 lbs. good shape. Estrogen level good. any recommendations would be appreciated . I take approx. 1000 mg of fish oil, multivitamin daily.

You need to strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. Specific exercises using the shoulder horn or cables/bands. Its easy to develop a strength imbalance between the pecs/rhomboid muscles and is common in people who do excess chest training and not enough upper back training ( too much pushing vs not enough pulling ) which can place excess stress on the shoulder joint ( tendons/ligaments ). Your ROTATOR CUFF muscles are key to providing stability in the glenohumeral joint.

No amount of supplements will help until you pinpoint the main culprit causing issues. Glucosamine/chondroitin is a hit or miss, up your epa/dha dose to 3 grams/day! Also hope you are not a side sleeper as this can contribute to compounding your pain.

I purchased one of these years ago.





http://www.kingsports.net/Download/Articles/tmag/OutofKilter-Part4-Shoulder.pdf

https://www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/article/384

 

[Vince]

There is another threat started shoulder labrum tear.
https://www.excelmale.com/forum/showthread.php?8572-Torn-Labrum-in-both-shoulders

 

[Nelson Vergel]

ChatGPT03 Prompt: Research best supplements and dosages to improve joint pain and lubrication.

Most clinically studied nutraceuticals for joint health target either (1) cartilage matrix synthesis (glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, hyaluronic acid), (2) inflammatory mediators that drive pain and swelling (curcumin, Boswellia, omega-3s, MSM, SAM-e, ASU), or (3) bone-to-cartilage micronutrient support (vitamin D + K2). When used at evidence-based dosages for ≥8–12 weeks, they can yield small-to-moderate reductions in pain and functional limitation, with low toxicity and potential synergy when combined with weight-bearing exercise and weight control. The table below details the best-supported ingredients, typical daily doses, time-to-onset, and practical tips.

1 | Core Structural “Lubricators”​

Supplement	Evidence-based daily dose	Key findings / comments
Glucosamine sulfate (crystalline)	1 × 1,500 mg (or 3 × 500 mg)	Reduces pain and may slow joint-space narrowing in knee OA when taken ≥6 months. Use sulfate—not HCl—for bioavailability. PMC
Chondroitin sulfate	800–1,200 mg	Similar magnitude of pain relief as NSAIDs in some trials; often stacked with glucosamine. PMC
Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II)	40 mg	Immune-tolerising mechanism; 40 mg once daily improved WOMAC pain and stiffness in recent RCTs. PMC
Hydrolysed collagen peptides	5–10 g	3–6-month studies show improved activity-related knee pain; mix with vitamin C to aid collagen synthesis. PMC
Oral hyaluronic acid	40–240 mg	Early data show modest pain relief and self-reported “joint lubrication” after 8 weeks; choose ≥50 kDa molecular weight products. Healthline

2 | Anti-Inflammatory & Analgesic Adjuncts​

Supplement	Evidence-based daily dose	Mechanism / notes
MSM (methylsulfonyl-methane)	1.5–3 g (split)	Improves knee pain and physical function; onset ~4 weeks. Mild GI effects possible. PMC
Omega-3 (EPA + DHA)	2–4 g combined EPA + DHA	Lowers synovial inflammation; 4.5 g fish-oil concentrate outperformed placebo for knee OA pain over 16 weeks. PMC
Curcumin (95 % curcuminoids + piperine/meriva-phytosome)	500–1,000 mg curcuminoids (in two doses)	Meta-analysis shows pain reduction comparable to ibuprofen with fewer GI events; combine with fat meal. jrd.or.kr
Boswellia serrata extract (≥30 % AKBA)	100–250 mg, 2 × day	Rapid (≈7 days) improvement in pain and knee flexion; watch for mild GI upset. PMC
SAM-e (S-adenosyl-methionine)	Up-titrate to 400 mg three times daily (1,200 mg)	Similar efficacy to NSAIDs over 4 weeks, plus mood benefits; costly. PubMed
ASU (avocado-soybean unsaponifiables)	300 mg	European guidelines list ASU as a symptomatic slow-acting drug in OA (SYSADOA); reduces NSAID need. Frontiers

3 | Micronutrient Support​

• Vitamin D3 1,000–2,000 IU (or enough to keep serum 25-OH-D 30–50 ng/mL); deficiency correlates with faster OA progression. PMC
• Vitamin K2 (MK-7) 90–200 µg; works synergistically with vitamin D to regulate calcification and may improve cartilage matrix quality. PMC

4 | Practical Stacking Template (Example)​

Morning

• Glucosamine sulfate 1,500 mg
• Chondroitin 800 mg
• Vitamin D3 1,000 IU + K2 100 µg
• Fish-oil concentrate (providing 2 g EPA + DHA)
• Curcumin-phytosome 500 mg

Evening

• MSM 1.5 g
• Undenatured collagen 40 mg (empty stomach)
• Boswellia extract 150 mg
• Optional: SAM-e 400 mg (mid-afternoon)

Stay consistent for at least 12 weeks before judging benefit; track pain (VAS) and function (WOMAC) monthly.

5 | Safety & Interaction Notes​

• Bleeding risk: Omega-3s, curcumin, Boswellia may potentiate anticoagulants—monitor INR if on warfarin.
• Shellfish allergy: Glucosamine is often shellfish-derived (non-shellfish vegan options exist).
• Diabetes: High-dose glucosamine can mildly raise fasting glucose; monitor.
• Pregnancy / liver disease: Avoid SAM-e, high-dose curcumin without clinician input.

6 | Lifestyle Synergy​

Regular eccentric strength-training, brisk walking, and weight management enhance synovial fluid exchange and reduce load per cartilage surface area; deficiencies here blunt supplement benefits. Latest news & breaking headlines

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Bottom line​

A multi-target protocol combining crystalline glucosamine (1,500 mg), chondroitin (800–1,200 mg), type II collagen or collagen peptides, anti-inflammatory botanicals (curcumin, Boswellia), omega-3 fish oil, plus micronutrient sufficiency in vitamin D + K2 delivers the most evidence-backed approach to easing joint pain and enhancing “lubrication.” Personalize doses, give it ≥3 months, and pair with muscle-strengthening exercise for the best odds of noticeable relief.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Prompt: What are the best rated and where to buy supplements mentioned above?

Below is a practical buying-guide that pairs the highest-rated, third-party-tested brands for each evidence-based joint-health ingredient with the simplest places to purchase them in Houston (or online with fast U.S. shipping). Ratings are drawn from Amazon “global” star averages, Labdoor/consumer-testing grades, and big-box customer reviews; prices are the lowest list price observed on 28 Apr 2025 and may fluctuate.

How the list was ranked​

• ≥4.5 ★ average across ≥1,000 reviews and no serious quality warnings on Labdoor/USP/NSF (when available) labdoorlabdoor
• Transparent label, clinically relevant dose, and GMP or NSF-Certified for Sport facility.
• Broad availability (Amazon, Costco, CVS/H-E-B, iHerb) with free/low-cost shipping to Houston ZIP codes.

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1 Cartilage & “Lubrication” Builders​

Brand (dose per day)	Why it tops the list	Where to buy	Price / 30 days*
Cosamin DS – 1,500 mg glucosamine + 1,200 mg chondroitin	NIH-GAIT–trial brand; 4.7 ★ Amazon, “#1 researched” labeling Amazon	Amazon Prime, CVS (108 ct) CVS	≈ $29
Kirkland Signature Glucosamine 1500/Chondroitin 1200	Highest volume SKU at Costco; third-party verified, 4.6 ★ member rating Costco	Costco warehouses & costco.com	≈ $18
NOW Glucosamine & Chondroitin w/ MSM	Budget pick; 4.6 ★ (7,000+ ratings) and Labdoor “A” purity AmazonVitacost	Amazon, Vitacost, iHerb	≈ $26
Healthy Origins UC-II® (40 mg)	4.6 ★ Amazon; single-capsule legit UC-II dose backed by RCTs AmazonPubMed	Amazon, iHerb	≈ $23
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (10 g)	4.5 ★ (70 k+ reviews); #1 collagen on Amazon; dissolves easily Amazon	Amazon, Target, H-E-B	≈ $35

*“Price /30 days” assumes label-recommended servings; subscribe-and-save cuts 5-15 %.

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2 Anti-Inflammatory Adjuncts​

Brand (standardized extract)	Strengths & certifications	Where to buy	Price / month
Thorne Meriva-SF Curcumin (2 × 500 mg)	Phytosome form (~30× absorption); NSF-Sport; 4.7 ★ Amazon Amazon	Amazon, Thorne.com	≈ $46
Vitacost 5-Loxin® Boswellia (AKBA 30 %, 150 mg × 2)	5-LOXIN clinical dose; 4.6 ★ Amazon Amazon	Amazon, Vitacost	≈ $18
Doctor’s Best Opti-MSM (3 g)	OptiMSM raw-material testing; 4.6 ★ Amazon Amazon	Amazon, iHerb, Sprouts	≈ $17
Sports Research Triple-Strength Omega-3 TG (EPA 690 mg / DHA 260 mg)	Triglyceride form; Labdoor top-10 fish oil Amazonlabdoor	Amazon, sportsresearch.com	≈ $28
Jarrow SAM-e 400 mg (1–3 ×)	Blister-sealed for stability; 4.6 ★ Amazon Amazon	Amazon, iHerb	≈ $32 (1 tab/d)
ASU (Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables) – “Arthrocen 300 mg”	SYSADOA status in EU; 4.5 ★ Amazon	Amazon, Walmart	≈ $24

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3 Micronutrient Support​

Product	Why pick it	Where to buy
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega (2 g EPA + DHA)	4.8 ★ Amazon; IFOS-5-star purity Amazon	Amazon, Whole Foods
NOW Vitamin D3 5,000 IU + K2 100 µg (MK-7)	Combo capsule, 4.7 ★ Amazon; budget-friendly Verywell Health	Amazon, iHerb

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Buying & stacking tips​

• Check the “Supplement Facts” panel—the same brand sells multiple potencies (e.g., Move Free Advanced vs. Ultra).
• Look for third-party seals (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) to minimize heavy-metal or mis-label risk.
• Bundle for savings: Costco glucosamine + Vitacost Boswellia + Sports Research Omega-3 gives a month of joint support for ≈ $64.
• Houston pharmacies can special-order UC-II or SAM-e if not on the shelf; give them the exact National Drug Code (NDC) from Amazon’s listing.
• Finally, re-assess pain/function after 12 weeks; discontinue any item that shows no benefit or upsets your stomach.

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Bottom line: For an affordable, fully evidence-based stack you can buy tonight:

• Kirkland Glucosamine/Chondroitin (Costco)
• Thorne Meriva-SF Curcumin (Amazon)
• Sports Research Omega-3 (Amazon)
• Doctor’s Best Opti-MSM (iHerb)

—together under $110 for a full month and all scoring ≥4.5 ★ with independent purity testing.