S2 Ep90: The Connection Between ACHING JOINTS and ESTROGEN

It’s no secret that there is a connection between menopause and hot flashes, but there are many other symptoms that are consequences of a lack of estrogen beyond night sweats, vaginal dryness, and bone loss. And joint pain is definitely on that list. So, what is the impact of menopause on arthritis and joint pain? Is estrogen therapy the answer? 

In this episode I am joined by Dr. Stephanie Faubion, the Director of Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health, chair of the Department of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, the medical director for The Menopause Society, and the author of The New Rules of Menopause: A Mayo Clinic guide to perimenopause and beyond 

We discuss:

• The relationship between JOINT ACHES and ESTROGEN
• If it is the CARTILEDGE, BONE, or BOTH that appears to be impacted by the loss of estrogen 
• Why so many women are diagnosed with FIBROMYALGIA at the time of menopause
• Why SLEEP APNEA also increases in Menopause and contributes to fatigue
• If HORMONE THERAPY should be prescribed to help achy joints and arthritis
• The increased prevalence of CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME and FROZEN SHOULDER
• If joint pain is an indication of OSTEOPOROSIS
• If most DOCTORS are aware of the relationship between joint aches and estrogen
• When joint aches are NOT RELATED to MENOPAUSE
• The impact of estrogen therapy and JOINT REPLACEMENT
• OTHER FACTORS that contribute to achy joints post-menopause and what can help
• The importance of ERGONOMICS and joint pain
• Why I do SQUATS while I brush my teeth

Dr. Faubion’s New Book:
The New Rules of Menopause: A Mayo Clinic guide to perimenopause and beyond 
To find a Menopause Society  certified menopause practitioner

Other Related Episodes:

• Episode 22:  Dreaming of Sleep with Dr. Faubion 
• Episode 46 Finding a Menopause Clinician Who Will Listen 
• Episode 61 Boning Up on Bones: Part 2 with Dr. Kristi Tough DeSapri (Prevention and Treatment) 
• Episode 67- How Long Can You Safely Take Hormone Therapy?

Lauren Streicher, MD is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. She is a certified menopause practitioner of the North American Menopause Society. 

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Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago’s top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine. 

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Books by Lauren Streicher, MD

 Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina-A gynecologist’s guide to eliminating post-menopause dryness and pain

Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the Heat

Sex Rx- Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever

The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy