Managing Frozen Shoulder Through Menopause
Frozen shoulder doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere—it often has underlying factors, and one of those surprising connections is with menopause. Women between the ages of 40 and 60 are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, and this demographic overlap has led researchers to believe there may be a hormonal link at play. While menopause already brings with it a range of physical and emotional changes, frozen shoulder is an unwelcome and often misunderstood addition to that list.
How Hormonal Changes Affect the Shoulder during Menopause
During menopause, a woman's body goes through significant hormonal shifts, particularly with the reduction of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are not just crucial for reproductive health—they also play a key role in regulating various tissues in the body, including connective tissues, like those in the shoulder joint.
Estrogen, for instance, helps maintain the elasticity and flexibility of soft tissues. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, there’s a corresponding decrease in the ability of these tissues to remain flexible, which may contribute to the thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule—a hallmark of frozen shoulder. This can lead to an increased likelihood of adhesions forming around the joint, restricting movement and causing that familiar pain and stiffness.
This hormonal imbalance can also impact collagen production, an essential component of joint health. Collagen provides the scaffolding for tissues, keeping them strong yet flexible. When collagen production decreases, the tissues may become stiffer, further contributing to the development of frozen shoulder.
The Menopause and Frozen Shoulder "Double Hit"
For many women, the onset of frozen shoulder during menopause feels like a double burden. Not only are they dealing with common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, but the sudden, sharp pain and reduced mobility in their shoulder make day-to-day activities even harder.
My friend, who developed frozen shoulder in her late 40s, noticed her symptoms aligned with the beginning of perimenopause. At first, she didn’t connect the two, assuming her shoulder pain was due to aging or overuse. But after consulting with her physiotherapist and GP, she learned that hormonal changes could be influencing the severity of her frozen shoulder.
Managing Frozen Shoulder During Menopause
Understanding that menopause might be a factor in your frozen shoulder doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to discomfort. Instead, it opens up additional strategies for managing both menopause and shoulder pain. Here are some tips:
Address the Root Cause: Hormonal Health While traditional treatment for frozen shoulder focuses on physiotherapy, exercise, and sometimes procedures like hydrodilation, you may also want to discuss your hormonal health with your doctor.
Strength and Flexibility Exercises Since hormonal changes can affect connective tissue elasticity, working with a physiotherapist to improve shoulder mobility through stretching and strengthening exercises can be extremely beneficial. Your physiotherapist will consider the possible effects of menopause and tailor your treatment plan accordingly.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet Some research suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet—rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole foods—can help reduce inflammation in the body, including the joints. For menopausal women, this can be an added support for overall joint health and frozen shoulder recovery. Foods like oily fish, nuts, leafy greens, and berries can be beneficial.
Mindful Movement and Relaxation Techniques Menopause can heighten stress levels, which in turn can exacerbate pain. Practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which may improve your overall well-being and help alleviate some shoulder discomfort. Gentle yoga poses that open the chest and shoulders are particularly helpful.
Acupuncture for Both Menopause and Frozen Shoulder Acupuncture has been used to manage symptoms of both frozen shoulder and menopause. Studies suggest it can help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce pain. If you’re experiencing frozen shoulder during menopause, acupuncture may be an effective two-pronged approach to treat both conditions simultaneously.
The Importance of Early Intervention
One of the biggest mistakes my friend made was ignoring her frozen shoulder symptoms, assuming they were just part of “getting older.” It wasn’t until the pain became unbearable that she sought help. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing frozen shoulder, particularly when menopause might be accelerating its progression. By working with healthcare professionals who understand the link between menopause and joint health, you can create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both conditions.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is a major transition in a woman’s life, and for some, it can trigger frozen shoulder. Understanding the connection between the two can lead to better, more holistic treatment. Whether it’s hormone therapy, specialised physiotherapy, or acupuncture, there are multiple pathways to healing. If you’re a woman entering menopause and you notice unusual stiffness or pain in your shoulder, it’s worth considering whether your hormonal health might be contributing to the problem. Remember, you don’t have to shoulder the burden alone.
