If you had asked me a few years ago, "Hey, Dr. Amin, what's the cause of frozen shoulder?" I would have confidently rattled off something about adhesions, inflammation, or genetics. What I wouldn’t have said was, "Oh, it’s probably because of your hormones going haywire during perimenopause." But here we are.
Back then, I was a doctor, yes—but not yet a functional hormone specialist. I knew enough about joints and muscles, but not enough about the sneaky ways perimenopause could creep in and make a mess of things. Looking back, it’s almost laughable how I, with my medical degree and years of practice, missed the signs.
This is my story of how perimenopause and a frozen shoulder caught me off guard and how I discovered (the hard way) that the hormonal shifts I’d been vaguely aware of were suddenly very, very personal.
Chapter 1: The Frozen Shoulder Sneak Attack
It didn’t build up slowly. One morning, I woke up in excruciating pain in my left shoulder and arm, completely out of the blue. One minute, I was dreaming of a productive day. The next, I was clutching my shoulder, barely able to move without wincing in pain.
My first thought? "Did I sleep wrong?" But the pain was far too intense to be a bad sleep posture. Still, being a doctor, I went into denial, assuming it was something I could handle on my own. Maybe some rest, a little over-the-counter pain relief, and I’d be back to normal.
Except, I wasn’t.
As the days passed, the pain persisted. Lifting my arm became a challenge, and I had to adjust my daily activities to avoid the searing discomfort in my shoulder. After doing my own assessment (because doctors do make the worst patients), I realized I had frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder—technically called adhesive capsulitis—is when the shoulder joint stiffens, making movement painful and difficult. It’s common and can last months, sometimes years. I wasn’t thrilled with the diagnosis, but I figured it would just take time to heal.
Chapter 2: The Treatment Plan
I began a steady regimen of physical therapy. The exercises were tedious but necessary to improve my range of motion and loosen the adhesions. After a few weeks of therapy, I felt better. The pain lessened, and I regained some mobility. The physical therapy had worked, but something still nagged at me: Why had this happened in the first place? Why now, when I was still active and hadn’t injured myself?
Chapter 3: The Hormonal Connection
At the time, I hadn’t yet specialized in functional hormone health, but as I started diving deeper into perimenopause later in my practice, I had a realization. My frozen shoulder wasn’t just a random musculoskeletal issue—it was linked to the hormonal changes happening during perimenopause.
Estrogen, a key hormone, doesn’t just regulate your reproductive system. It also maintains the flexibility of your joints, muscles, and tendons. When estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, your joints can stiffen, muscles weaken, and tendons lose elasticity, making you more susceptible to issues like frozen shoulder.
Looking back, it became clear: my frozen shoulder wasn’t just a mechanical issue—it was hormonal. If I had known then what I know now, I might have recognized the signs earlier and avoided the frustration and pain.
Chapter 4: What Every Woman Needs to Know
Here’s what I’ve learned, and what every woman navigating perimenopause should know:
Know the Signs: Joint pain, muscle stiffness, and conditions like frozen shoulder can be symptoms of perimenopause. Don’t dismiss these signs as just "getting older."
Estrogen is Essential: Estrogen isn’t just about regulating your cycle or preventing hot flashes. It’s crucial for joint health and flexibility. When estrogen levels drop, joint stiffness, muscle loss, and even frozen shoulder can occur.
Be Proactive: Regular exercise—especially strength training and stretching—can help maintain muscle mass and flexibility. If you’re experiencing unusual pain or stiffness, speak to a healthcare provider who understands the hormonal changes of perimenopause.
Address Hormonal Health: If you’re struggling with aches and stiffness, it may be time to consider managing your hormonal health. Whether through lifestyle changes, supplements, or hormone therapy, taking care of your estrogen levels can make a world of difference.
In conclusion: A Lesson Learned
Looking back, had I known the hormonal connection, I would have realized that my frozen shoulder was a sign that my body was changing. If you experience something similar, take it as a signal: Your body is trying to tell you something, and it might be hormonal.
Now, with full mobility restored, I’m better equipped to help other women navigate perimenopause—hopefully with fewer surprises.
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