Menopauseis part of the aging process.
A person who menstruates is considered in menopause when they have gone 12 months without a period.
The average age for menopause in the United States is 52.
AzmanJaka / Getty Images
AzmanJaka / Getty Images
Can Menopause Cause Joint Pain?
Estrogen also directly affects muscles, tendons, and ligaments and contributes to muscle mass and strength.
Bone and muscle function is improved with optimal estrogen levels.
What Does Menopause Joint Pain Feel Like?
But menopause is not the only possible cause of joint pain during this time.
OA is also related to other factors, including genetics.
While osteoporosis does not directly contribute to joint pain, it may do so indirectly.
RA can develop during menopause, but hormonal imbalances may not be the cause of joint symptoms.
No evidence suggests that menopause can lead to the development of RA.
PsA affects both the skin and joints.
Its shared connection to menopause is dropping estrogen levels, which may increase your risk for the condition.
It also causes severe fatigue and problems with sleep, memory, and mood.
The condition is more common in people assigned female at birth.
Additional lifestyle changes include stress management and quitting smoking.
Treatment options include over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, acupuncture, hormone therapy, and nutritional supplements.
Regular exercise can also help increasejoint cartilagelubrication, further reducing pain and stiffness.It can improve sleep and decrease fatigue.
Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Your diet plays a vital role in managing menopausal joint pain.
Consider talking to a therapist.
This person can help you to better manage the effects of menopause and joint pain on your life.
Losing weight can take the stress off joints, easing joint symptoms.
Any joint damage, however, cannot be reversed.
Quit Smoking
Every tissue in the body is affected by smoking, including the joints.
Western medicine experts believe the procedure stimulates muscles, nerves, and other tissues.
If you want to try acupuncture, check with your healthcare provider.
They can review your medical history and help you decide whether acupuncture is a safe option for you.
Try OTC Painkillers
Many options for OTC medications can help you manage your joint pain.
For inflamed (swollen) joints, use an ice pack to bring down swelling to reduce pain.
Try Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy(HRT) is a form of estrogen treatment.
It has been shown to reduce joint pain during perimenopause and following menopause.
There are many different HRT options.
Your healthcare provider can advise you on the best options for your unique health situation.
Supplements
Some dietary supplements can help improve your joint health and manage joint pain.
Declining hormone levels can affect your body in many ways.
Joint pain is common during menopause and the time before periods end, called perimenopause.
The risk for arthritis and osteoporosis also increases during this time.
Joint pain in menopause can be managed and treated in many ways.
This includes lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising, managing stress, and quitting smoking.
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