Menopause symptoms can be a lot to shoulder — hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and weight gain are just a few.
There’s also a lesser-known side effect of menopause. Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, causing significant pain and difficulties moving the arm or even sleeping on it.
In menopausal women, declining estrogen accelerates joint pain and stiffness.
“Estrogen receptors are present in connective tissue of the shoulder, which maintains the integrity and elasticity,” Dr. Iman Saleh, an OB/GYN and director of obesity medicine at South Shore University Hospital, told The Post.
“The changes [in] the estrogen can affect the quality and function of the connective tissue, which increases stiffness and reduces flexibility.”
Saleh shares the three stages of frozen shoulder — and several treatment options for women going through menopause.
Who is at risk for frozen shoulder?
Women, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 60, are at a higher risk than men.
Another major risk factor is prolonged shoulder immobility due to injury, surgery or stroke. People with systemic diseases like thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes also face elevated odds.
“Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of getting frozen shoulder,” Saleh explained. “The high blood sugars can damage the collagen in the shoulder, causing inflammation.”
Other risk factors include genetics, like if a close relative has had it, and autoimmune diseases like lupus that increase inflammation.
“Some studies have suggested low body mass increases [the] risk of frozen shoulder when compared to higher BMI,” Saleh added.
Howard Stern, 72, has said his bout of frozen shoulder stemmed from chronic emotional stress.
That type of strain can cause prolonged muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, potentially spurring inflammation.
How can menopause make things worse?
“Estrogen [has] anti-inflammatory properties, so when estrogen is decreased, those properties are decreased as well, causing increased inflammation within the shoulder joint that [contributes] to the pain and restriction of motion,” Saleh said.
“Declining estrogen can lead to changes in muscle strength and coordination around the shoulder joint,” she added. “Weakness or imbalance supporting the shoulder can cause the risk of developing frozen shoulder.”
What are the three stages of frozen shoulder?
- Freezing stage: A gradual increase in pain and a slow loss of range of motion. This stage can last six weeks to nine months.
- Frozen stage: The pain starts to wane, but stiffness increases due to the tightness, affecting daily activities. This stage typically lasts four to six months.
- Thawing stage: Motion improves and pain continues to ease. Full recovery can take six months to two years.
What are the treatment options?
Physical therapy is the primary treatment for restoring mobility.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds like Motrin and Aleve, acetaminophen (Tylenol), cortisone injections and hot/cold therapy to reduce swelling can help manage pain and inflammation.
“Menopause hormone therapy has been shown to help treat and relieve frozen shoulder when used to treat menopausal symptoms,” Saleh said.
In severe cases, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery can remove scar tissue and release the thickened joint capsule.
Has red light therapy been shown to help?
In red light therapy, low levels of red light help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
“Red light therapy has shown potential,” Saleh said, especially when used in conjunction with physical therapy for frozen shoulder.
About a year ago, New Yorker Marie-Laure Fournier noticed that she had frozen shoulder that eventually intensified so much that she could not clasp her bra because her arms would not move backwards.
She found some relief from acupuncture, but it was an expensive habit to maintain.
“A friend of mine recommended an amazing masseuse who is specialized in athletic injuries,” Fournier told The Post.
“I started to see him, and it is the first thing that actually helped,” she continued. “While he was working on my shoulder, neck and back, he was using an LED light at the same time.”
Now she uses an at-home LED light panel every day for 10 or 20 minutes to regain her mobility.
Are there ways to prevent frozen shoulder?
Saleh recommends starting physical therapy soon after an injury or surgery to increase shoulder mobility.
She also advises daily exercises and stretches and management of chronic diseases like diabetes.
