Menopause is a natural stage of life that happens to every woman. It is the time when you stop having periods and ovulate. This period can be very frustrating, especially because it causes many changes in your body. One of these changes is joint pain during menopause.
What is Menopausal Joint Pain?
Menopausal joint pain, also known as climacteric arthritis, occurs when
estrogen levels increase during the menopause transition. This causes the
breakdown of collagen in joints. The increased production of female hormones
causes inflammation, leading to painful joints that can be very hard to move.
Additionally, menopausal joint pain can be caused by weight gain and lack of
exercise as your body ages. In fact, women who are overweight are twice more
likely to develop osteoarthritis than those who are at a healthy weight.
What are the Symptoms of Menopausal
Joint Pain?
Menopausal joint symptoms are not always easy to identify because they may
mimic other conditions, such as arthritis or gout. Common symptoms include
·
Joint pain that is worse after rest (resting
will make it feel better).
·
Swelling around the joints.
·
Stiffness that lasts longer than 24 hours after
activity stops.
·
Numbness or tingling in the affected joints.
·
Cracking noises when you move your joints.
If you have any of these symptoms, medication is available that offers joint
pain relief. Also, visit a doctor for further treatment.
How do you Treat Menopausal Joint
Pain?
Menopausal joint pain can be treated with a variety of medications like
topical lotions that offer natural joint pain relief
and other therapies. Medications can help reduce the symptoms of menopause, but
they have side effects. Exercise, physical therapy, and acupuncture are less
invasive options that may also help you feel better.
You may find relief from menopausal joint pain by using ice packs or heat
wraps to relieve tightness in your joints or adding aromatherapy oils to your
bathwater for pain relief. Also, massage sore muscles with essential oils like
lavender or eucalyptus, have regular chiropractic adjustments, and get
acupuncture treatments.
Menopausal joint pain is a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause. It
can be treated with certain medications, lifestyle changes, and physical
therapy. If you're experiencing joint pain alongside other symptoms like hot
flashes or night sweats, visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
