Want To Know Why Your Joints Hurt So Much in Menopause?   

 You've been putting up with the shooting pains and aches for a while now. You thought you could cope with the symptoms at first, but now they're becoming overwhelming and annoying. 

It hurts to do almost everything, and you've just had enough. You can't go dancing, walk up the stairs and certainly can't play with your children, grandchildren or pets anymore.

It's as if you've aged twenty years in the last five, and you're starting to feel concerned. At your age, you should be feeling vibrant, living your life to the fullest, and planning your next adventure, not groaning when you stand up from your chair or grimacing as your walk uphill, and more certainly feeling young and energetic, not old and frail. 

So you visit your doctor and are informed that it's probably just fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoarthritis, or what do you expect for your age and that there is very little you can do but rest. 

But here's the thing- it might not be fibromyalgia, CFS, or osteoarthritis, but it's certainly not your age. It may be part of the normal shift of hormones associated with menopause, and you absolutely can do something about it. 

Let me explain…  

The Menopause Could Be To Blame 

Menopause is often associated with symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, increased unwanted hair growth, brain fog and much more. But an increasingly large number of women just like you also suffer from joint and bone pain that severely affects the quality of their lives and leaves them feeling crippled and depressed.  

How the two are linked

During the menopausal years, the production of many hormones, such as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, begin to fluctuate wildly before eventually settling once menopause occurs. Oestrogen tends to be one of the primary hormones when it comes to menopausal symptoms and joint pain. This is because it plays many roles when it comes to bone and joint health. 

1) It helps to protect your joints from injury and damage.

2)It regulates your fluid levels which can deny your joints the essential fluids they need to protect and nourish themselves. 

Another hormone called progesterone also declines, reducing your pain tolerance levels and making all of those symptoms feel so much worse. 

And added to all this, a deficiency in testosterone can also lead to you feeling fatigued, low in energy and suffering from aching joints. 

The Solution 

If you are suffering from joint pain, it's absolutely vital to consider whether a hormonal shift could cause your joint pain. But what else could be happening? Let me explain. 

Your gut health matters 

The gut microbiome, for instance, has a significant impact on inflammation levels in the body, and an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to increased inflammation, resulting in joint pain.

The gut microbiome refers to the millions of bacteria in our digestive tract. These bacteria play an important role in our overall health, including the health of our joints. An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to inflammation and an increased risk of joint pain.

How to Improve Gut Microbiome :

• Consume a diet rich in fibre and fermented foods, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha to promote good gut bacteria growth.
• Avoid consuming processed foods and added sugars, which can negatively impact the gut microbiome.
• Herbs and spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, oregano and cloves
• Consider taking a probiotic and prebiotic supplement to help balance the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation 

Reducing Inflammation :

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to protect against harm. However, chronic inflammation can lead to joint pain and other health problems.

How to Reduce Inflammation:

• Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and nuts.
• Limit your consumption of sugar and alcohol, which have been linked to increased inflammation.
• Practice stress-management techniques, such as meditation or exercise, to help reduce inflammation in the body.

Poor Sleep and its Effect on Joint Pain

Poor sleep patterns can also contribute to joint pain. The body needs adequate sleep to repair and rejuvenate, and a lack of sleep can exacerbate joint pain and discomfort.

How to Improve Sleep:

• Determine what's impacting your sleep. Often, we intuitively know the cause. 
• Foster a consistent sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
• Create a relaxing sleep environment, such as keeping the bedroom cool and dark.
• Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol for a while. 
• Engage in relaxation techniques, such as reading or taking a warm bath, to help you wind down before bed. 

Mineral and vitamin deficiencies: 

Mineral and vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium, can also contribute to joint pain. Ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet can help maintain optimal levels of these essential nutrients, reducing the risk of joint pain.

How to Prevent Mineral and Vitamin Deficiencies:

• Consume a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, including foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish.
• Take a good quality multivitamin daily to ensure you are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.
• Support your digestion and absorption with my gut health suggestion above.
• Test your vitamin D levels at least every 6 to 8 months.

By understanding the various factors that contribute to joint pain during menopause, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.