Stories
Midlife Women: Don't Ignore Frozen Shoulder During Menopause!
- •Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition common in women aged 40-70, restricting arm movement.
- •While menopause doesn't directly cause it, hormonal changes and declining estrogen levels are being investigated for their role in musculoskeletal issues.
- •Symptoms include increasing pain, especially at night, and progressive stiffness, making daily activities difficult.
- •The condition progresses through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages, with pain and stiffness varying.
- •Persistent shoulder pain or stiffness should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as it could indicate frozen shoulder or other conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Key Questions Answered
Frozen shoulder causes pain and progressive stiffness that make everyday movements like reaching overhead or getting dressed difficult, particularly at night. The condition typically progresses through three stages: the freezing stage with increasing pain, the frozen stage where stiffness becomes prominent, and the thawing stage where mobility gradually improves.
There is no established evidence that menopause directly causes frozen shoulder, though it frequently occurs in the same 40 to 70 age group and affects women more often than men. Declining oestrogen levels and hormonal changes during midlife have sparked interest regarding their potential role in musculoskeletal issues.
Besides being female and in the middle-age range, risk factors include diabetes, thyroid disorders, previous shoulder injuries or surgery, and prolonged lack of movement. Persistent shoulder pain should not be automatically dismissed as mere aging, and individuals with severe symptoms should consult a healthcare professional.
