What biological changes around midlife increase the risk of frozen shoulder?

Around midlife, the risk of developing frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) increases significantly for women, largely due to biological changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. The key factor is the decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen has a protective effect on musculoskeletal tissues, including the joints, because there are estrogen receptors throughout the body—muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and especially the tissues around the joints.

As estrogen drops during menopause, the tissues lose some of this protection. This can lead to increased joint pain, stiffness, and conditions like frozen shoulder. Estrogen is also responsible for collagen production and keeping joints lubricated and functioning well. When estrogen levels fall, the risk of joint issues, including frozen shoulder, rises. In fact, research highlighted by Dr. Vonda Wright and others shows that women who do not use hormone therapy have a much higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.

If you want to learn more about this topic, check out these helpful resources:

Watch the chapter "Research and Hormone Therapy" from our YouTube video, which discusses the link between estrogen loss and frozen shoulder, and how hormone therapy may help. Watch here
Read our detailed blog post on how menopause affects your muscles, bones, and joints
Explore our joint pain symptom page for more information and tips

If you're interested in solutions, at Alloy we offer menopause hormone therapy (MHT) that can help protect your joints and potentially reduce the risk of frozen shoulder. Visit our product page to see your options and get started with a menopause-trained physician.

You are not alone in experiencing these changes, and here at Alloy, we're here to support you every step of the way!

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