Joint pain affects more than half of all women in menopause. There are a variety of ways to get relief from menopausal joint pain.
There is no defined cause-and-effect of menopause being linked joint pain, however there is plenty of evidence there is one. Because estrogen is a natural anti-inflammatory, one possibility is that when it dips and ebbs, inflammation can occur more easily. Estrogen also helps to regulate fluids throughout the body and may result in tissue of your joints becoming less elastic.
Beyond hormone fluctuations, other contributors to joint pain may include weight gain, a more sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, a poor diet, smoking and stress. These can all trigger or worsen joint pain.
Every woman's experience of menopause is as unique as she is. That's why we start with an initial 30-minute video visit through our secure telemedicine platform. We'll review your medical history, family history, and gynecological history prior to your telemedicine visit.
During the video visit, you'll share your experience with menopause, starting with your quality of life and other symptoms you're experiencing (inflammation, stress, anxiety).
We will assess your nutritional needs to provide recommendations for a balanced diet and review daily movement practices to keep joints lubricated to minimize stiffness and pain. Our practitioners may also leverage cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and relaxation techniques to support joint pain symptoms related to stress.
Based on your health history and what you are experiencing, we’ll review therapies and medications that can help improve your menopause symptoms. Our doctors may suggest further testing options to rule out other issues that could be contributing to joint pain.
Our doctors and health coaches (RDNs) are by your side, answering your questions and to help monitor your symptoms. As your hormones fluctuate, your symptoms will change over time. Talk to your doctor about these changes and your Gennev doctor will adjust your treatment plan to match your new needs.
Everyone's experience with menopause is unique. That's why our integrated care model offers evidence-based treatments unique to your individual needs.
We've interviewed leading experts in menopause over the years. These articles are a great starting point to educating yourself on this symptom (and others) of menopause.