The link between oestrogen and shoulder pain

We all know that hormone fluctuations can cause a whole host of symptoms – even things that you wouldn’t obviously think were linked to hormones like acid reflux or dry eyes. During perimenopause, some people experience joint pain. But did you know that low oestrogen levels can be a contributory factor to frozen shoulder?

Neither did I until someone shared something about it on Instagram with me last week, so I had to find out more. You can read the research on it here, but here are my takeaways:

• Women are 2.18 times more likely to develop frozen shoulder than men.
  
  
• Frozen shoulder typically occurs around the age of 50.
  
  
• It can result in progressive pain and restricted movement.
  
  
• In the short-term, physiotherapy and steroid injections often help. But approximately 50% of people still have some pain and restricted movement.
  
  
• Inflammation and injury can lead to fibrosis – the development of connective tissue, which in time can cause stiffness and restricts movement.
  
  
• Oestrogen inhibits fibrosis, so it can be a protective factor in conditions like frozen shoulder. So, as oestrogen levels reduce during perimenopause, we are more likely to get fibrosis, pain and stiffness.

So, what can you do about it?

It’s always important to get any new pain or reduced movement checked out with a health practitioner.

But for frozen shoulder or any type of perimenopausal joint pain, there are things you can try from a nutritional perspective to add in some additional support.

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods

There are plenty of foods that can help reduce inflammation and so pain. Think fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric and omega 3 fats found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel. Include these foods in your diet every day.

Include plenty of hormone balancing foods in your diet

Eating foods that help to regulate hormones can help to reduce the impact of declining oestrogen levels. A group of foods known as phytoestrogens can help to regulate oestrogen levels, reducing them if they are too high and boosting them if they are too low. Flaxseeds, tofu, tempeh, edamame beans, lentils and chickpeas are all great sources of phytoestrogens.

And if you need some more help with managing pain or regulating hormones, then do book in for a chat to find out if either a one off supplement review or hormone intensive or one of my nutrition programmes could help.

Content Disclaimer

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog  are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this blog. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this blog. Emma Belton Nutrition disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this blog.