Could Your Chronic Pain Be Hormonal?

Several of my clients are currently experiencing a variety of confusing symptoms such as sore joints in their hands, aching Achilles tendons, tight hips and back pain. What they all have in common is they are currently going through perimenopause and menopause.  For some, their symptoms appear suddenly and can vanish as quickly as they appeared, only to return a short time later. For others, the symptoms are there all the time.  It's often a very old injury that is flaring up again.  Let's take a look at why this is happening and how you can overcome it.

Do You Have Unexplained Pain?

Chronic pain such as back pain, joint or tendon pain can sometimes remain a mystery with no known cause despite thorough testing. This can be enormously frustrating and leave you feeling like you just want a diagnosis to confirm that you aren't imagining what you are experiencing . Chronic pain can sometimes be related to hormonal imbalances.  Hormones are chemical messengers that control many bodily functions, including pain perception.  Fluctuations in hormones can lead to changes in pain perception and sensitivity.

Major Hormonal Shifts

Women experience huge hormonal shifts throughout life starting with puberty, pregnancy, post-natal recovery, perimenopause and then menopause. That's a lot of hormonal changes! The inflammatory response is affected by hormonal fluctuations. For example, estrogen has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, while progesterone can have pro-inflammatory effects. This means that changes in hormone levels can alter the body's response to inflammation, potentially leading to chronic pain. Hormonal changes can affect the nervous system, which can also play a role in chronic pain.  For example, estrogen can affect the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which are involved in pain perception and mood regulation.  This can lead to increased sensitivity to pain and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.  In general, hormones can have a complex and multifaceted impact on chronic pain experienced by women . Understanding these mechanisms can help healthcare providers develop more effective treatment strategies.

What Are Some Symptoms?

Just as my clients are experiencing, joint and tendon pain can be a common symptom experienced by women during perimenopause and menopause.  As estrogen levels decrease, the body's ability to maintain bone density and cartilage may be reduced, leading to an increased risk of joint and tendon pain.  In addition to this, estrogen plays a role in maintaining the health of connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments.  As estrogen levels decrease, women may be more susceptible to injury or pain in these areas. Symptoms of joint and tendon pain during perimenopause and menopause can include:

* Pain or stiffness in the joints, especially the knees, hips, and hands.
* Pain or discomfort in the tendons, such as the Achilles tendon or the rotator cuff.
* Swelling or inflammation around the joints or tendons.
* Reduced range of motion or flexibility.
* Increased risk of injury, such as sprains or strains

How Can You Relieve The Symptoms?

Treatment options for joint and tendon pain during perimenopause and menopause may include lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress reduction.  Acupuncture may also be helpful in relieving pain and improving mobility. In some cases, medication or hormone therapy may be recommended by a healthcare provider.  It's very much an individual choice.  Keeping a sympton and pain diary can very beneficial to see if there is a pattern emerging and very useful for your health care provider ti help put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Pilates Is Ideal During Perimenopause & Menopause

My unique online Pilates program is specifically designed to help you recover from pain or injury especially as you age. Menopause can cause a decrease in bone density, which can increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.  Pilates exercises can help to strengthen bones and improve bone density. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and improving mood, which can be especially beneficial during this time: Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, which can help to improve posture and balance. This can be especially important during menopause, as hormonal changes can lead to muscle weakness and an increased risk of falls. Many women experience sleep disturbances during menopause, and Pilates can be a great way to improve sleep quality.  Pilates can help to relax the body and promote deeper, more restful sleep. Some studies have suggested that regular exercise, including Pilates, can help to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes during this time.   Menopause can cause a decrease in flexibility and range of motion, which can make everyday activities more difficult.  Pilates exercises can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to perform daily tasks and activities.

If you are ready to improve your health, my online Pilates program can be adapted to your own individual needs and adjusted along the way as your needs change.  If you have any questions about how Pilates can help you take control of your own health and fitness during menopause or beyond email me at [email protected] .  Alternatively, if you would like to begin your Pilates journey book your in-depth Initial Assessment with me via Skype. It would be my pleasure to assist you!