Decreased hormones make joints vulnerable
Many women entering menopause often prepare mentally for hot flashes, insomnia, or emotional changes. However, a common but little noticed symptom is prolonged joint pain, especially in the knees, fingers, and lower back.
Dr. Akhilesh Rathi - an expert in joint replacement and orthopedic surgery in India - said that estrogen is not only a reproductive hormone but also plays a role in protecting bones, cartilage and joints. When estrogen levels drop sharply during menopause, inflammatory reactions in the body increase, making joints more prone to pain and degeneration.
According to orthopedics, morning stiffness is a common sign in premenopausal women. If this condition lasts for more than 20 minutes each day, patients need to see a doctor because it may be related to early-stage arthritis.
In addition, weight gain due to metabolic disorders also increases pressure on joints. Just gaining a few kilograms can make knee pain worse, especially when climbing stairs or exercising a lot.
Proper exercise helps reduce pain effectively
Many women limit walking because they are afraid of worsening joint pain. However, according to Professor Susan Davis - a women's health expert at Monash University, Australia - lack of exercise is the factor that makes joints stiff and painful more persistent.
Light exercises such as walking, yoga, slow cycling, or stretching can help improve blood circulation, increase muscle strength, and reduce pressure on joints. Maintaining regular exercise is more important than high-intensity training in a short time.
Experts also recommend that women should not be completely dependent on pain relievers. Prolonged medication may cover up real causes such as vitamin D deficiency, osteoarthritis, or hormonal imbalances.
Doctors recommend that middle-aged women maintain a reasonable weight, supplement adequate nutrition and have regular health check-ups to detect bone and joint problems early during menopause.
