30/03/2025
Ein interessanter Artikel in der FAZ!!
Frozen shoulder, RhizArthrose, …. Zwei Beispiele für typische hormonbedingte orthopädische Krankheitsbilder. Aber daran muss man denken!
Und Patientinnen verdienen Aufklärung!
Menopause & Orthopedic Pain: The Hidden Hormonal Connection
Menopause isn’t just about hot flashes—it can also trigger severe orthopedic issues that many doctors overlook. Two of the most common? Frozen Shoulder and Rhizarthrosis (Thumb Arthritis).
🧊 Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – This painful condition, causing stiffness and immobility, is up to 4x more common in menopausal women. Estrogen loss leads to increased inflammation and collagen changes, making the shoulder capsule tighten and freeze.
✋ Rhizarthrosis (Thumb Arthritis) – The base of the thumb is packed with estrogen receptors. When estrogen declines, the cartilage wears down faster, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced grip strength—often dismissed as “just aging.”
Other overlooked menopausal orthopedic symptoms include:
🔹 Joint pain & stiffness – Without estrogen’s anti-inflammatory effects, joints become stiff and achy, often mistaken for arthritis.
🔹 Tendon problems – Less estrogen = less elasticity, increasing the risk of tendinitis and ruptures.
🔹 Back & neck pain – Collagen loss weakens spinal discs and ligaments, making back pain more common.
🔹 Osteoporosis & fractures – Bone density drops post-menopause, making fractures more likely.
If you’re experiencing unexplained joint or muscle pain during menopause, hormones might be the missing link. It’s time for doctors to recognize this connection and provide real solutions.
Have you struggled with frozen shoulder, thumb pain, or joint stiffness in menopause? Share your experience below! ⬇️
