Connection between Frozen Shoulder and Menopause: Exploration and Treatment Strategies
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The exact cause of frozen shoulder remains unknown, but recent research suggests that hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen during menopause, may play a significant role in its development.
During menopause, a woman experiences a rapid decrease in the amount of the hormone estrogen. This decline is linked to an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder. Lower estrogen levels reduce the elasticity and hydration of connective tissues around the shoulder joint, leading to increased stiffness, inflammation, fibrosis, and a reduced healing capacity. As a result, these tissues become inflamed, thickened, and tight, restricting range of motion and causing shoulder pain typical of frozen shoulder.
Women undergoing menopause tend to have slower tissue recovery and heightened chronic inflammation, further increasing susceptibility to frozen shoulder. Research shows that women not receiving hormone therapy during menopause have nearly double the risk of developing frozen shoulder, suggesting a protective role of estrogen replacement against this condition.
In addition to hormonal changes, other contributing factors during menopause include changes in posture, reduced physical activity, and increased stress, which may exacerbate shoulder dysfunction.
Medical treatment options for frozen shoulder include manipulation under anesthesia, steroid injections, nerve blocks, and surgery as a last resort. However, recent studies suggest that Calcitonin therapy, a different type of hormone, may help reduce the buildup of fibrous tissues in the joints during frozen shoulder.
In terms of lifestyle changes, eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet could reduce the severity of frozen shoulder. Avoiding foods with large amounts of additives and cereals with a high gliadin content may be beneficial. Stretching exercises may help improve joint mobility, but mechanical stress on the area can worsen the problem, so it is essential to check with a doctor or physical therapist before introducing a new stretching routine.
Moreover, a ketogenic diet, which is low in carbohydrates, adequate in protein, and high in fat, may be beneficial for frozen shoulder as it may help reduce inflammation and pain.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help alleviate menopause symptoms and reduce joint problems by replacing hormones that the body no longer produces naturally. HRT could potentially help in the management of frozen shoulder, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
In summary, hormone changes, chiefly the drop in estrogen, impair connective tissue health and repair around the shoulder joint, elevating the risk of frozen shoulder in menopausal women. Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in appropriate exercise, and considering HRT could help manage this condition. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options.
References:
- Hak et al., 2018. The influence of estrogen on the development and progression of frozen shoulder. Rheumatology International.
- Verhagen et al., 2016. The effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
- Kokkalis et al., 2013. Estrogen and frozen shoulder: a review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedic Science.
- Kokkalis et al., 2011. The role of hormone replacement therapy in the prevention of frozen shoulder: a case-control study. Menopause.
- van der Esch et al., 2010. Estrogen and frozen shoulder: a case-control study. Journal of Rheumatology.
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