Why are my Joints so Stiff During Menopause?

Welcome to menopause. Where everyone talks about hot flashes, but not much about anything else.

And the reality is, 50% of women suffer with joint pain during menopause.

Losing mobility in your joints can feel like a nightmare. And being pain-free may feel like a distant dream. But it’s time to put the fear to bed.

While it may be common, it doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Let’s dive deep into the bothersome bones of it all by learning about menopausal arthralgia. And discover the best way to say a strong farewell to stiff joints.

What is Menopausal Arthralgia?

Throughout the menopause, estrogen levels decline. When this happens, things don’t run as smoothly as they once did. Estrogen is an extremely important hormone. In fact, its essential for keeping our bones healthy.

It helps us in more ways than we realize. It has anti-inflammatory properties to keep inflammation at bay. Keeping the ligaments and tendons free of stiffness.

It helps surround the joints with synovial fluid. Fluid that cushions and lubricates the joints for healthy movement.

It plays an important role in maintaining bone density. Without adequate bone density, the body is prone to osteoporosis and joint pain. So with all that estrogen does for us, it makes sense how low levels can be highly problematic.

When estrogen decreases during menopause, the joints are vulnerable. Inflammation can take over leaving us stiff. Lack of lubrication around the joints can make us lose mobility. And with less bone density, we are more fragile and susceptible to aches and pains.

Other pain conditions should be ruled out first, such as arthritis. But the joint pain caused by estrogen decline in menopause has its own name. It’s called menopausal arthralgia. And with 50% of menopausal women experiencing it, it is more common that you may have first realized.

What are the Symptoms of Menopausal Arthralgia?

The main symptoms of menopausal arthralgia to look out for are:

• Joint and muscle pain/aches
• Joint stiffness
• Joint swelling
• Reduction in muscle strength
• Reduction in stamina
• Pins and Needles

These are the symptoms of menopausal arthralgia itself. But the chronic pain it causes can in fact lead to many secondary symptoms. This includes fatigue, low energy and depression. Which is no surprise when pain can disrupt everyday life in a significant way.

What can Help Menopausal Arthralgia?

Seek help from a medical professional

There are ways that a doctor can help with menopausal arthralgia. The main one being Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It works by replacing lost estrogen levels in the body. Thus can help reduce the symptoms of menopausal arthralgia.

But like with most medical interventions, it comes with a risk. That is why it is so important to discuss benefits and risks with a doctor. HRT may work wonders for some women but its not everyone. It’s always essential to find out what works for you and your body.

It’s not the only option to help manage joint pain from menopause. So if HRT is not for you, there are lots of lifestyle factors that can help keep the pain at bay.

Lifestyle changes

Diet:

Avoiding foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can reduce inflammation. You can replace them with a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. Such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. They can help reduce inflammation and help keep joints pain-free.

Exercise:

Chronic inflammation can contribute to joint pain. Low impact exercises can be a dream such as swimming, walking and Pilates. Exercise can help reduce inflammation and can also help ease joint pain.

Weight loss:

Excess weight can exacerbate joint pain. In particular, it can be problematic in weight-bearing joints like the hips and
knees. Additionally, losing weight can also improve general joint function and mobility.

Reducing stress:

Chronic stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in the body. High cortisol levels have been associated with increased inflammation and pain sensitivity. This can exacerbate joint pain.

So its important to show yourself some self-love. Engaging in stress-reducing activities that can help lower cortisol levels. It could be meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. They can all help lower cortisol levels. In turn, reducing inflammation and alleviating joint pain.

How CellaMD Can Help

It’s great to know you don’t have to put up with the pain of menopausal arthralgia.

It is all well and good saying “exercise” or “lose weight”. But if you are in too much pain to move around, that advice may feel frustrating. It can feel like you are stuck in a vicious cycle of needing to move but being in too much pain to do so. But the good news is, iit is a cycle you can break out of.

CellaMD is here to assist you. Helping you get back on the path to a pain-free menopause. Pain Relief can help you conquer the worst of the pain symptoms to help get you moving again. And Inner Harmony can help you tackle stubborn weight gain and fatigue.

Helping relieve you of painful joints. Helping you make successful lifestyle changes. And getting you back to a healthier, happier you.

Say goodbye to stiff joints

Knowing all about menopausal arthralgia is key for relief from its pain. Knowledge is power after all. Pain is horrible for everyone. But thankfully, with these steps you can help regain control of your life. And feel more like yourself again.

Whether this be by the help of a medical professional. Or you choose to make lifestyle changes with the help of CellaMD. You will be on the path to say goodbye to those stiff hips and knees for good. And back to the daily activities you enjoy once more.