Stories
Perimenopause and Frozen Shoulder: What Women Need to Know
- •Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is common between ages 40-70, overlapping with perimenopause and menopause.
- •While perimenopause involves fluctuating estrogen levels affecting musculoskeletal tissues, a direct causal link to frozen shoulder is complex and not fully established.
- •Symptoms like progressive stiffness, difficulty with everyday movements, and night pain should prompt a doctor's visit, as they can be overlooked.
- •Risk factors for frozen shoulder include diabetes, thyroid disorders, previous shoulder injuries, and physical inactivity.
- •Maintaining physical activity, a healthy BMI, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes and thyroid issues can help reduce risk.
Key Questions Answered
While frozen shoulder is common between ages 40 and 70 which overlaps with perimenopause, doctors state that falling oestrogen levels do not automatically or solely cause the condition. Evidence linking hormonal changes directly to adhesive capsulitis remains limited.
Frozen shoulder involves inflammation and tightening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint, leading to progressive stiffness and pain that worsens at night. Individuals typically notice difficulty raising their arm, brushing hair, fastening clothes, or reaching behind their back.
Aside from age and potential hormonal shifts, major risk factors for frozen shoulder include diabetes and thyroid disorders, previous shoulder injuries, recent surgeries, poor metabolic health, and physical inactivity.
