Hormonal changes during menopause don’t just influence mood and sleep—they can also affect joint health in ways many women don’t expect. One condition that may emerge during this time is frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, which can limit movement and impact your active lifestyle. The good news? You have options. Understanding the connection between menopause and shoulder stiffness is the first step toward reclaiming comfort, mobility, and strength. Let’s look at how to manage symptoms and get back to doing what you love.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a common condition marked by pain, stiffness, and a gradual loss of mobility in the shoulder joint. It often develops in three stages: freezing (increasing pain and stiffness), frozen (severe restriction of movement), and thawing (gradual return of mobility). This process can take months to years and may interfere with daily tasks such as reaching overhead, dressing, or lifting objects.
The Menopause Connection
Research suggests that women in midlife, particularly those between 40 and 60, are at higher risk for developing frozen shoulder.1 The drop in estrogen during menopause may contribute to inflammation and reduced elasticity in connective tissues, including the shoulder capsule. These hormonal shifts can alter the body’s ability to manage joint lubrication and tissue repair, setting the stage for frozen shoulder to develop, especially after even minor injuries or periods of immobility.
Recognizing the Symptoms
If you’re in the perimenopausal or postmenopausal stage and begin noticing dull, aching shoulder pain that gradually worsens and limits your range of motion, it may be more than just a strained muscle. Difficulty lifting your arm, disrupted sleep due to shoulder discomfort, and increasing stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest are all signs that should prompt evaluation.
Treatment Options: Restoring Mobility
Early diagnosis is key to managing frozen shoulder effectively. Treatment often includes physical therapy to maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections can help relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, minimally invasive procedures like shoulder manipulation or arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to release tight tissues.
Incorporating regular stretching and minimizing periods of shoulder inactivity can play an important role in recovery. Applying a heating pad for 15–20 minutes before stretching may further enhance mobility by relaxing tight muscles and boosting circulation. If estrogen deficiency is contributing to the condition, hormonal therapy may be considered in consultation with your primary care provider or gynecologist.
See a Shoulder Specialist
Frozen shoulder can severely restrict your range of motion and interfere with daily activities, especially as age-related changes affect joint health. Menopause is a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t mean you have to accept joint stiffness or shoulder pain as the new normal. If you're noticing stiffness, pain, or limited mobility, seeing a shoulder specialist early can speed up recovery and help protect your shoulder health for many active years to come.
AUTHOR: Brian W. Hill, M.D., is a board-certified shoulder surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute. He is an expert in advanced reconstructive and arthroscopic techniques and serves as an assistant team physician for the Washington Nationals and their affiliates. Dr. Hill treats shoulder injuries and arthritis with a focus on patient-centered care and clear communication.
Reference:
1. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/frozen-shoulder/
