exploring the connection between menopause and arthritis

so, what’s the connection between arthritis and menopause?

research indicates that more than 70 per cent of women transitioning to menopause will experience musculoskeletal symptoms, including joint pain and stiffness. the loss of estrogen also contributes to decreased bone density, making individuals more susceptible to osteoporosis —a condition that further compromises bone health.

• osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis, is characterized by joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown. it commonly affects knees, shoulders, and hips. the incidence of osteoarthritis increases around menopause. research on hormone therapy, particularly estrogen, has yielded mixed results.
• rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation, joint pain and stiffness, peaks in incidence during menopause. while the disease often improves during pregnancy, it can flare postpartum, indicating hormonal influences. menopause heightens the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and exacerbates disease severity. early menopause is linked to increased risk. although hormone therapy has been considered as a strategy to help manage rheumatoid arthritis after menopause, results have been largely unsatisfactory.
• lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, with arthritis as a common symptom. lupus is typically diagnosed before menopause, and an earlier onset of menopause correlates with a higher lupus risk. interestingly, menopause may reduce the severity and progression of the disease, although the exact relationship remains unclear.

the impact of arthritis

notably, nearly 60 per cent of canadian adults with arthritis are women —and more women report having arthritis than osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke combined. today, approximately 3.6 million women are living with arthritis in canada, and without decisive action, that number could soar to nearly 5.5 million by 2045.