Menopause & Knee Pain

Menopausal women frequently experience joint pain, particularly in their knees, because of their age and the likelihood that they’ve acquired osteoarthritis (the wear and tear form of arthritis that develops over time) as well as hormonal influences that have a bearing on the health of their joints.

Age

• Consider how much work your knees have done over the years and are still required to do on a daily basis. The knees are the body’s main weight-bearing joints and are frequently affected by osteoarthritis, which generally occurs when you are older and the cartilage in your joints has become worn out due to overuse.

Hormones

• Hormonal shifts, fluctuations, spikes and deficiencies that occur during perimenopause leading up to menopause can affect how your joints feel.

Lack of Estrogen

• Estrogen has anti-inflammatory components and safeguards your joints. When your estrogen levels drop to nearly nothing, chronic inflammation of your knee joints and other joints can result, according to the Women To Women website.

Stress

• Stress also plays a part in joint pain. Perimenopause and menopause can be a difficult and stressful time for women. When a woman is overwhelmed, she manufactures too much stress hormone, which is called cortisol. This is the fight or flight hormone, which has a purpose; however, you aren’t supposed to be in a fight or flight state all of the time. Ongoing stress can cause joint inflammation to proliferate.

Identification

• If you suffer from knee pain, have your doctor examine your knees. She can determine if you suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout. She may recommend that you take anti-inflammatory medications or tell you to ice your knee or use heat.