Many women experience stiff or painful joints during menopause. Declining hormone levels make cartilage and joints less flexible. Pain does not always indicate arthritis, but the risk of developing the condition increases in postmenopause. What can help?
I experienced severe pain in my hands. The medication is working, but I feel so tired. All the time. My body takes longer to recover.
Some studies suggest that the drop in oestrogen may contribute to an increased risk of arthritis. Oestrogen helps keep joints strong and flexible. During menopause, hormone levels decline, causing cartilage to thin and mucous membranes to dry out. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and sometimes inflammation. Existing arthritis may also worsen.
Researchers also believe that a decrease in oestrogen may reduce collagen production. This can make joints less flexible and sturdy. However, there is no evidence yet that this leads to joint damage.
Arthritis is a collective term that includes osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In osteoarthritis, cartilage becomes damaged, which can affect the entire joint and cause changes in the bone. The connective tissues that hold the joint together may also deteriorate. RA is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your joints, causing inflammation. Women often experience swelling and pain in and around the joints. Arthritis can occur in the hands, feet, hips, knees, and/or back.
Postmenopausal women may have a 35% higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For women who already have arthritis, symptoms may worsen. The connection between arthritis and menopause is not yet fully understood by researchers. The role of hormonal changes is taken seriously, but the relationship is still being studied.
In addition to menopause, there are other possible causes of arthritis:
Many women with arthritis experience swollen, stiff, or painful joints, especially in the morning. Their range of motion may also decrease. Other symptoms of arthritis include:
If you have symptoms or if they worsen, talk to your (general) practitioner.
Personalised product advice for your menopause symptoms
There are various ways to effectively manage arthritis. You don’t have to simply live with it. You can support your body naturally with healthy nutrition, adequate exercise, and rest. Additionally, supplements, medications, and hormone therapy (HRT) can help.
When your hormonal balance changes during menopause, it can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and rest can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. Small adjustments can already make a difference in how you feel.
When using medications or supplements, a balanced lifestyle supports your body in absorbing nutrients and processing medications. This makes supplements and medications more effective. Experts recommend the following for arthritis:
Replacing the hormones that decline during menopause is the most effective treatment for various menopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy (HRT) directly addresses vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, as well as vaginal symptoms like dryness. HRT may also (indirectly) improve other symptoms, such as sleep problems, concentration issues, and arthritis.
HRT is not the first choice for everyone. A doctor will always carefully assess whether this treatment is suitable for your health and symptoms.
You only realise how wonderful it is to move freely when you can no longer move freely...
Many women are unaware that, in addition to hormone therapy, there are proven effective hormone-free medications to relieve menopausal symptoms. While hormone therapy can address multiple symptoms simultaneously, hormone-free medications often target a specific symptom. For example, certain antidepressants (SNRIs) for hot flushes, anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain, or antacids for heartburn.
Hormone-free medications are always prescribed by a doctor. They can be a good option for those who cannot or do not want to use hormone therapy. These medications work directly on the symptom without affecting your hormonal balance, allowing you to address your symptoms in a targeted way and support your body.
During menopause, changes occur in how your body produces energy, builds muscle, and repairs skin. You can naturally support these processes with high-quality supplements. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 are recommended for every woman going through menopause.
The effectiveness of supplements depends on factors such as your lifestyle and health and can vary from person to person. The quality of the product also determines how well it works. Choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers.
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