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Joint Pain And Menopause: What Can You Do To Help? October 09, 2024
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Joint Pain And Menopause: What Can You Do To Help?
As oestrogen levels decline, many women experience joint stiffness, aches, and inflammation, often referred to as "menopausal arthritis." This is because oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining cartilage health and fluidity in the joints. Without sufficient oestrogen, joints may become more prone to inflammation and wear.
What’s the link bewteen joint pain and menopause?
Herbal support for joint pain
2. Boswellia - Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for helping to reduce inflammation and helping to improve joint function. A 2023 study found that people taking Boswellia serrata experienced significant improvements in joint pain and function compared to a placebo group.
3. Ginger - Like turmeric, ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can be easily incorporated into meals or taken as a supplement or in a tonic.
Hormonal supportive herbs for joint pain and perimenopause
3. Sage - Sage has been traditionally used to manage hot flashes and hormonal imbalances in menopause. Its anti-inflammatory effects can also help soothe joint pain.
While herbs like yarrow, red clover, and sage may not be found at regular grocery stores, they are often available in health food stores, or online as dried herbs, tinctures, or supplements. Incorporating these herbs can help ease both hormonal shifts and inflammation, offering a well-rounded approach to managing perimenopausal joint pain. We have chosen these amazing plants to go into our Hormone Balance.
Supplements for joint health
1. Omega-3 - Fatty Acids are found in fish oil or algae supplements. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness and support a balanced mood.
2. Magnesium - Magnesium plays a key role in muscle relaxation and reducing inflammation, making it beneficial for managing pain during perimenopause. Magnesium citrate is well-absorbed and can help with muscle cramps and overall pain relief, as is magnesium glycinate as they are gentle on the digestive system and support both relaxation and pain support.
3. PEA - PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) is a naturally occurring fatty acid that has been shown to reduce chronic pain and inflammation by modulating the body’s response to pain signals.
🌿Related: Can You Take Too Many Supplements? Signs It’s Time For A Spring Overhaul
Physical therapies and supportive practices for joint pain in menopause
Heat and cold therapy - Applying heat to stiff joints can increase blood flow and relax muscles, while cold packs reduce swelling and numb sharp pain after activity. Alternating between the two can offer comprehensive relief if required.
Massage therapy - Regular massages can help increase blood circulation to the joints, reduce muscle tension, and relieve pain. Techniques such as deep tissue massage or lymphatic drainage can be particularly helpful for perimenopausal women.
Acupuncture and chiropractic care - These therapies are commonly used to relieve joint pain and inflammation by addressing energy imbalances or structural misalignments in the body.
Stress management and joint pain - Stress can exacerbate joint pain by increasing muscle tension and inflammation. Stress-reducing practices like meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises can really influence our emotional and physical well-being. Incorporating just five minutes of meditation each day can help reduce stress levels, which in turn may help alleviate joint discomfort. For a quick, deep breathing exercise, Headspace has a great one-minute exercise that can help throughout the day.
While conventional medications are available and sometimes needed to manage joint pain, herbal remedies, nutrition, physical therapies, and stress management can also help with joint health during perimenopause.
As with everything, please consult a healthcare professional before starting anything new - especially if you are on medications or have pre-existing conditions.
Our Hormone Balance is not appropriate for people with hormone sensitive cancers and our Anti Flam Tonic is not appropriate for people who are taking Warfarin or any blood thinners.
If you are on medication or have any questions please email us.