Joint Pain or Perimenopause? The Oestrogen Connection
Aching hips, knees, and hands are often misdiagnosed as 'just getting older.' We show how estrogen protects your joints.
Verified against Clinical Guidelines
This article was developed and verified against current clinical standards from NAMS, BMS, and the STRAW+10 staging framework.
Estrogen is a powerful anti-inflammatory and maintains the 'lubrication' (synovial fluid) in your joints. As levels fluctuate, systemic inflammation rises, making old injuries flare up and creating new aches in small joints like the hands.
Morning Stiffness
If you feel 'creaky' for the first 20 minutes after waking, that's a classic sign of the perimenopausal joint shift. It is often a reversible inflammatory state, not permanent damage.
Fixes
- Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Prioritize daily mobility and joint-friendly exercise.
- Discuss transdermal estradiol with your GP.
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Next step
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