The Connection Between ACHING JOINTS and ESTROGEN

It’s no secret that there is a connection between menopause and hot flashes, but there are many other symptoms that are consequences of a lack of estrogen beyond night sweats, vaginal dryness, and bone loss. And joint pain is definitely on that list. So, what is the impact of menopause on arthritis and joint pain? Is estrogen therapy the answer? 

In this episode I am joined by Dr. Stephanie Faubion, the Director of Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health, chair of the Department of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, the medical director for The Menopause Society, and the author of The New Rules of Menopause: A Mayo Clinic guide to perimenopause and beyond 

We discuss: The relationship between JOINT ACHES and ESTROGEN If it is the CARTILEDGE, BONE, or BOTH that appears to be impacted by the loss of estrogen  Why so many women are diagnosed with FIBROMYALGIA at the time of menopause Why SLEEP APNEA also increases in Menopause and contributes to fatigue If HORMONE THERAPY should be prescribed to help achy joints and arthritis The increased prevalence of CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME and FROZEN SHOULDER If joint pain is an indication of OSTEOPOROSIS If most DOCTORS are aware of the relationship between joint aches and estrogen When joint aches are NOT RELATED to MENOPAUSE The impact of estrogen therapy and JOINT REPLACEMENT OTHER FACTORS that contribute to achy joints post-menopause and what can help The importance of ERGONOMICS and joint pain Why I do SQUATS while I brush my teeth
Dr. Faubion’s New Book:
The New Rules of Menopause: A Mayo Clinic guide to perimenopause and beyond 
To find a Menopause Society  certified menopause practitioner

Other Related Episodes: Episode 22:  Dreaming of Sleep with Dr. Faubion  Episode 46 Finding a Menopause Clinician Who Will Listen  Episode 61 Boning Up on Bones: Part 2 with Dr. Kristi Tough DeSapri (Prevention and Treatment)  Episode 67- How Long Can You Safely Take Hormone Therapy?
Lauren Streicher, MD is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. She is a certified menopause practitioner of the North American Menopause Society. 

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