Why is a Frozen Shoulder in Menopausal Women Common?

Frozen shoulder occurs in older women due to estrogen deficiency. Frozen shoulder is a common condition in menopausal women. It affects women between the ages of 40 and 60. Hormonal changes during menopause often cause shoulder pain. Although more scientific evidence is still needed to prove the connection between shoulder stiffness and physical weakness, aging often leads to musculoskeletal pain.

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive capacity and causes a decrease in estrogen in the body, which forms the protective layer of our joints and bones. Read on to learn more about the prevalence of frozen shoulder in menopausal women and how to treat it.

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a disease characterized by loss of strength, pain, and movement in the shoulder, according to the National Institutes of Health. Inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule can cause adhesions and restrict movement.

Stages of frozen shoulder

According to research published in the Singapore Medical Journal, there are three levels of frozen shoulder.

1. Freezing stage

This is a painful phase. It is characterized by pain that gradually worsens over time as the limitation in the shoulder increases. It lasts from 8 weeks to 9 months.

2. Frozen stage

This is very advanced. Here, pain can be reduced, but weight gain and movement are limited. There is no external or internal rotation. This will take between 4 and 12 months.

3. Thawing stage

This is a step back. Shoulder pain slowly starts again and the pain subsides. The duration of this period is from 5 months to 26 months.

Common Causes of a Frozen Shoulder

• Hormonal changes – During menopause, women experience significant hormonal fluctuations, including declines in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal changes can contribute to inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder joint, leading to the development of frozen shoulder.
• Metabolic changes – Menopause is often accompanied by metabolic changes, such as weight gain and insulin resistance. These metabolic alterations can increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal issues, including frozen shoulder.
• Autoimmune factors – Some research suggests that the immune system may play a role in the development of frozen shoulder, particularly in menopausal women. The hormonal changes during menopause can potentially contribute to an autoimmune response, leading to inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
• Reduced physical activity – Menopausal women may be less physically active due to various factors, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint discomfort. Decreased physical activity can lead to a loss of shoulder mobility and increased risk of frozen shoulder.
• Comorbidities – Menopausal women often have a higher prevalence of certain health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular diseases, which are also associated with an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.

The combination of hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle changes during menopause can make menopausal women more susceptible to developing frozen shoulder compared to younger women or men. Early recognition and management of this condition can help alleviate the symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for menopausal women.

Can Menopause Cause Frozen Shoulders?

Menopausal women often complain of shoulder stiffness. Although menopause itself does not directly cause frozen shoulders, hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially loss of estrogen, can cause joint problems along with frozen shoulder. “Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining joint health, and decreased estrogen can contribute to musculoskeletal problems,” explains Dr. Iranian.

A study from Duke University School of Medicine shows that estrogen helps promote bone growth, reduce inflammation, and develop connective tissue. This study examined the medical records of 2,000 menopausal women with symptoms of frozen shoulder. The study found that 3.95 percent of women on hormone replacement therapy had frozen shoulder, while 7.65 percent of women not on estrogen therapy had frozen shoulder. Therefore, HRT may help prevent frozen shoulder.

How does HRT help menopausal women reduce frozen shoulder?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help treat frozen shoulder by resolving hormone imbalances – estrogen replacement helps maintain joint function and tissue elasticity, which may reduce shoulder stiffness and inflammation.

Other treatments for frozen shoulder in pregnant women

In addition to HRT, there are several treatments that may be effective in treating frozen shoulder:

1. Physical therapy

Exercises to improve range of motion and strengthen the shoulder muscles. A study published in the Singapore Medical Journal suggests that home exercises that strengthen the shoulders should be encouraged.

2. Medications

There are many antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications available to control pain and inflammation. The National Institutes of Health recommends early treatment with acetaminophen (a non-opioid pain reliever) or an NSAID (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

3. Steroid injections

Corticosteroids help reduce pain and improve shoulder function. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that injecting steroids directly into joints is the fastest way to reduce pain and inflammation.

Diet and physical therapy for frozen shoulder in older women

When it comes to nutrition, be sure to include anti-inflammatory foods in your daily meals. This means making sure you eat enough fruits and vegetables, as well as fish, flaxseeds and walnuts because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. Do not eat processed foods, soft drinks and do not drink too much alcohol. Stay hydrated.

When it comes to physical therapy, exercise is very effective in treating frozen shoulder. It increases joint capsule flexibility and supports shoulder stability. Heat/cold therapy can help control pain and inflammation in the area.

What is the ultrasound treatment of frozen shoulder in menopausal women?

Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to produce heat deep within the shoulder tissue. It warms the soft tissue and stimulates local blood. This study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, says it may help reduce muscle and joint pain. It also causes adhesions and scars in the shoulder joint capsule. This treatment is often used as part of the treatment plan in the early stages of frozen shoulder.

Surgical options for frozen shoulder in menopausal women

In cases where medical treatment and pain management do not yield results within 6-12 months, surgery is usually the last resort. Here are some surgical procedures that may help you:

Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) involves movement of the shoulder under anesthesia to remove adhesions. You can also have arthroscopic capsular release. This is a minimally invasive procedure that creates small incisions and uses tools to cut through a tight shoulder joint to relieve stiffness and restore strength.

Summary

Frozen shoulder treatment is common in young women. This is due to lack of estrogen in the body. A combination of treatments such as hormone replacement, exercise, diet, and surgery can help you feel better.