Frozen Shoulder Hits Women 40 to 60 Hardest as Menopause Hormones Raise Risk
Updated
Updated · BuzzFeed · Jun 14
Frozen Shoulder Hits Women 40 to 60 Hardest as Menopause Hormones Raise Risk
2 articles · Updated · BuzzFeed · Jun 14
Summary
Women ages 40 to 60—especially over 50—face a higher risk of frozen shoulder, with experts tying the condition to perimenopause and menopause rather than routine aging.
Estrogen declines can alter inflammation, reduce connective-tissue elasticity and slow healing, helping drive the pain, stiffness and loss of motion seen in adhesive capsulitis.
The condition typically unfolds in 3 phases—freezing, frozen and thawing—and the full cycle often lasts 1 to 2 years, making early evaluation important.
Treatment centers on physical therapy, with anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid injections used when needed; gentle daily stretching, heat before exercise and ice after activity can also help.
Experts say women should not dismiss worsening shoulder pain or reduced mobility as normal midlife change, because delayed care can prolong stiffness and recovery.