Joint pain in the meno­pause: what helps?

Where does joint pain come from?

Older people in particular are familiar with joint pain. The complaint often occurs as a symptom of arthrosis – a wear and tear of the joints. Other causes include rheuma­tism, gout or oestrogen deficiency during the menopause. In prin­ci­ple, it can affect any joint, but arthral­gia is most common in the fingers, knee or hip.

Joint pain during the menopause

The fact that women produce less oestro­gen during the menopause also affects the joints. When oestrogen levels drop, blood circulation slows which curtails the supply of nutrients. In ad­di­tion, pain is felt more strongly because the hormones that normally relieve the sensation of pain are in short supply. This is why many women in the meno­pause struggle with joint pain or stiff joints in the morning. In these cases, move­ment is the answer: specific exer­cis­es will relieve the pain and promote blood circulation.

Recognising oestrogen defi­cien­cy as a cause of joint pain

An indication that an oestrogen defi­cien­cy is the cause of joint pain can be derived from the woman’s medical history. If she had never had problems with her joints before the menopause, the lacking hormones are the most likely cause. Nevertheless, it's advisable to seek medical advice if the pain is severe. Although hormone re­place­ment therapy could quickly bring clarity, the as­so­ci­at­ed health risks mean that a doctor should first be consulted.

Tips to relieve joint pain

Gentle exercise and a balanced diet are key when it comes to joint pain. As a general rule: get as much exercise as possible that is easy on the joints. Alternating showers or massaging the affected joint also significantly stimulates circulation. If the pain is acute, however, it is also important to keep the joint still, elevate it and cool the affected area. Use traditional cooling products or rub in a suitable oil such as peppermint.

Exercise: get the joints moving

A common problem with joint pain is the pain that arises after a period of in­ac­tivi­ty. Specific exercises will help get rusty joints going again and ensure that the synovial fluid is regularly replaced. Swimming, cycling and cross-country skiing are ideal, as well as walking, yoga and aquafit. These activities promote blood circulation and ensure that cartilage, bones and connective tissue are well supplied with nutrients. Strength­en­ing the muscles around the joints will also ease the condition.

Diet: eat the pain away

Eating lots of vegetables, herbs and spices and plenty of fish will keep the body fit and able to nourish itself from the nutrients provided.

Pain can also feel stronger when sero­tonin levels are low. For supplies of the hap­pi­ness hormone, look to oats, cashews, chocolate or milk, for example. Last but not least, there is a substance in olive oil that works similarly to the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is found in many painkillers.

Treating joint pain during the menopause

If large joints such as the knee or hip are affected, natural therapies such as acupunc­ture or treatment with fish oil capsules (omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect) can help, as well as plenty of exercise. If the pain occurs mostly in the finger joints during menopause, relax the joints with regular massages or specially designed balls.