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Tendon Health and Menopause Hormone Imbalance

Tendons are cord-like structures composed of collagen fibers. Tendons connect muscles to bone and allow for movement. Disruption of tendon glide can result in reduced mobility and pain.

  1. Tendon Health and Age

    • As a person ages, tendons decrease in width with the exception being the Achilles tendon (found in the ankle), which gets wider, possibly to compensate for reduced quality of the structure of the tendon.

    Tendons and the Menopause

    • The menopause is the cessation of menstruation caused by the reduced production of estrogen by the ovaries. The menopause is associated with a number of common symptoms, including joint stiffness and pain. Women with a higher body mass index appear to have increased joint stiffness, possibly due to poor posture, restricted range of motion and fat deposits in the muscle.

    Tendons and Lack of Estrogen

    • Estrogen has no known specific effect on either tendons or joints that would cause joint pain or stiffness but estrogen can influence inflammation and the response to pain. High estrogen levels increase pain thresholds.

    Tendons and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

    • A study by Faria, et al. in "Climacteric" in 2010 showed there were no differences in joint stiffness and pain in women taking HRT compared to those not taking HRT. It remains unclear if the use of HRT in active or inactive postmenopausal women improves tendon structure, as it may depend on activity levels and the tendon being examined.

    Treatment

    • There a number of treatments that may alleviate symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as gentle active exercise and, when required, weight loss may help strengthen tendons, joints and muscles, though a doctor should be consulted prior to starting a new exercise program. A number of anti-inflammatory drugs may help in the short term.

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