Yes they can be!
I’m not saying that if you have joint pain and are of menopausal age that it’s a given, as it could be something else, for example arthritis and is worth a visit to your GP just in case it’s something more sinister.
However aching joints and stiffness in the joints are a fairly common symptom of the menopause.
Falling oestrogen levels can affect our joints, ligaments and tendons which can result in the following:-
* Joint pain and inflammation
* Joint stiffness especially after staying in the same position for a while
* Creaking joints
* Postural changes
A decline in oestrogen can also cause weight gain which again puts added pressure on the joints.
Hot flushes and night sweats can result in dehydration which is another factor to consider when suffering from joint pain.
Here are my top tips to alleviate joint pain:-
* Stay well hydrated – Up your fluid intake especially if you are losing fluid through night sweats and hot flushes, keep a glass of water by your bedside and drink before bed and as soon as you wake up, especially if you are waking in the night.
* Exercise regularly – This may seem obvious but it really is important to keep your muscles strong to protect the joints. If you struggle to exercise because of aching, sore joints then try swimming, pilates or yoga.
* Clean up your diet – a diet high in sugar and salt can trigger inflammation in the joints. Avoid processed foods and fizzy drinks.
* Take a magnesium supplement if you are struggling with sleeping at night and this should help to ease joint pain somewhat as well. Eat plenty of magnesium rich foods such as nuts, seeds and dark green leafy veg.
Hope this helps!
Laura x