If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain or stiffness that limits your movement, you might be dealing with frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). This condition is surprisingly common in women during perimenopause and menopause, yet often overlooked.
Understanding the hormonal connection can help you seek timely treatment and regain mobility.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder’s connective tissue capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement and causing inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
- Persistent pain, often worse at night
- Stiffness making it hard to raise your arm or reach behind your back
- Progressive loss of mobility
- Difficulty with daily tasks like dressing or reaching overhead
Symptoms progress through stages:
- Freezing Stage: Increasing pain and decreasing motion
- Frozen Stage: Pain may lessen, but stiffness peaks
- Thawing Stage: Gradual return of movement
Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen During Menopause?
1. Estrogen Decline
Estrogen supports collagen, tissue elasticity, and joint lubrication. Lower estrogen makes connective tissues stiffer and more prone to inflammation.
2. Increased Inflammation
Menopause is linked to systemic inflammation, which can worsen joint capsule thickening and stiffness.
3. Metabolic and Thyroid Changes
Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and metabolic syndrome become more common in midlife and increase frozen shoulder risk.
Other Risk Factors
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Autoimmune diseases
- Prolonged immobility (e.g., post-surgery)
- Previous shoulder injuries
How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
- Physical exam assessing pain and range of motion
- Medical history focusing on hormonal and metabolic health
- Imaging (X-rays, MRI) to exclude arthritis or rotator cuff tears
Supporting Shoulder Health During Menopause
- Discuss joint pain with a menopause-informed provider
- Incorporate daily shoulder mobility exercises
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods
- Manage stress to keep inflammation low
- Seek early treatment for shoulder discomfort
How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Last?
The condition can last 1 to 3 years. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
1. Physical Therapy
The cornerstone of treatment. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises help restore movement without aggravating inflammation.
2. Pain Management
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) reduce pain and swelling. Corticosteroids may be used for severe inflammation.
3. Corticosteroid Injections
Targeted injections into the shoulder capsule reduce inflammation and pain, especially in early stages.
4. Heat and Ice Therapy
Heat improves blood flow and flexibility before exercise; ice reduces inflammation and sharp pain.
5. Hydrodilatation
A procedure injecting fluid into the joint capsule to stretch it, performed under imaging guidance.
6. Surgery (Rare)
Reserved for persistent cases after 6–12 months of conservative treatment. Includes manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic release.
Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?
- Maintaining shoulder mobility and regular movement
- Managing blood sugar and thyroid health
- Addressing menopausal symptoms early with healthcare support
- Prompt treatment of shoulder injuries
The Bottom Line: Hormones Matter
Need Support?
Our Menopause Relief Program offers expert guidance to manage joint pain, hormone changes, and inflammation—helping you feel strong, supported, and pain-free.
👉 Ready for more personalized support? Book a free 20-minute call with our expert team. We’ll help you build a customized plan to support your mood, hormones, and overall well-being during menopause and beyond.
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