Frozen Shoulder: Why Your Shoulders Become Stiff During Menopause

Dear MHI reader, 

Have you noticed stiffness or pain in your shoulder that makes it hard to lift your arm or reach behind your back? You’re not imagining things. Many women experience frozen shoulder around menopause, and hormones could be one of the causes.

What Is a Frozen Shoulder and Why Does It Happen?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the tissues around your shoulder joint become inflamed, thickened, and tight. This makes movement painful and limited, especially when lifting your arm or rotating it.

While frozen shoulders can happen to anyone, it’s more common in women between the ages of 40 and 60. Right around the time menopause begins. 

Experts believe that declining oestrogen levels may contribute, since oestrogen helps maintain healthy joints and tissues. 

Other risk factors include: 

• Thyroid disorders
• Diabetes, and 
• Even past shoulder injuries.

What Can You Do About It?

If you think you may have a frozen shoulder, early action is key. 

A doctor will usually diagnose it based on your symptoms and a physical exam. In the early stage (called the freezing stage), you might be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, gentle stretching, and physiotherapy. These can reduce pain and help restore movement over time.

As the condition progresses, the pain may lessen, but stiffness can remain. This stage can last for months, but regular physiotherapy and guided exercises are still helpful. Most cases eventually improve, though it may take up to two years for full recovery.

Some women find relief with steroid injections or, in more severe cases, minor surgery. While HRT isn’t typically prescribed to treat frozen shoulder, some studies suggest it might support joint health during menopause.

You’re Not Stuck This Way

If frozen shoulder is interfering with your daily life, you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. 

Speak with a doctor, start physiotherapy early, and be patient with your body. With time and support, your shoulder can heal and regain its strength.

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