Osteoarthritis is among the most common joint diseases people acquire as they age. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Both women and men can develop osteoarthritis, but women, especially after menopause, develop this disease more often. The hormone estrogen, which plays an important role in a woman’s life, is one of the main reasons for this disparity.
In this blog, we will explore the connection between osteoarthritis and estrogen and explain how estrogen affects joint health and contributes to the development of osteoarthritis in women.
What Is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a hormone found mainly in women’s bodies. It controls many of the most important functions, especially those involving reproduction. However, estrogen does more than enable fertility. It also keeps bones and joints healthy. Estrogen levels rise and fall throughout a woman’s life, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
For instance, when estrogen levels decrease, many things in the body change during menopause. One of them is at greater risk of joint problems, including osteoarthritis.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a disease that arises when the cartilage within joints degrades due to ageing. Cartilage is soft, smooth tissue that protects the ends of bones and allows them to slide past each other easily. If the tissue gets worn or damaged, bones can rub against each other. This results in pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint but more frequently in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. With increasing age, the risk of osteoarthritis becomes higher. Overweight, joint injury, and family history are other risk factors.
The Role of Estrogen in Joint Health
Estrogen keeps joints and bones healthy in many ways. Let’s consider how:
1. Reduces Inflammation
We know that estrogen is anti-inflammatory. It reduces swelling and pain in the body. Low estrogen will lead to the production of more inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals make the joints more susceptible to wear and tear, which will speed up the damage caused by osteoarthritis.
2. Shields Cartilage
Cartilage is necessary to allow smooth motion in joints. Research has confirmed that estrogen serves to keep the cartilage healthy. It encourages the development of cells that are responsible for the repair of cartilage and inhibits the loss of joint tissue. As levels of estrogen drop, cartilage can take longer to heal and will degrade sooner.
3. Keeps Bones Strong
Estrogen keeps bones strong by regulating the functioning of bone-building cells. After menopause, women experience a drop in estrogen levels, which leads to a loss of bone mass. Weakened bones are more vulnerable to stress and damage, increasing the risk of joint issues. This hormonal change is a key factor in the development of female osteoarthritis, making postmenopausal women more prone to joint pain and stiffness.
4. Joint Lubrication
Joints require fluid to be able to slide smoothly. Estrogen assists the body in manufacturing this joint fluid, which serves as a lubricant like machine oil. Without enough estrogen, joints can dry out and stiffen. This can cause friction in the joint, resulting in pain and harm.
Why Women Are More Affected Than Men
Women have a higher chance of developing osteoarthritis than men, particularly after menopause. This is mainly because of the loss of estrogen. Women usually have high amounts of estrogen before menopause, which acts as a protective shield for their joints. After menopause, when the amount of estrogen significantly reduces, women are more prone to joint pain and joint damage.
Women live longer than men, so they will generally have more years of combined wear and tear. Hormonal changes, body mechanics, and the way women move can also be contributing factors.
Osteoarthritis and Estrogen Therapy
Some doctors prescribe estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to women undergoing menopause. The treatment can reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms of low estrogen. Researchers have also tested whether ERT can help protect joints.
Certain studies indicate that women taking estrogen therapy experience less joint discomfort and slower cartilage deterioration. But ERT is not suitable for everyone. It can produce side effects and increase the risk of some medical conditions, such as blood clots or breast cancer. Always consult your physician before initiating any hormone therapy.
Natural Ways to Support Joint Health
Even if you do not have estrogen therapy, there are several ways to take care of your joints and lower the risk of osteoarthritis:
1. Exercise Regularly
Light exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga can keep your joints flexible and strong. Regular movement helps your joints stay lubricated and reduces stiffness.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are good for bone and joint health. Leafy greens, milk products, nuts, and fish are all excellent options.
3. Have a Healthy Weight
Having excess weight adds extra pressure on your joints, particularly the knees and hips. Reducing even a small amount of weight can relieve joint pain.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking adequate amounts of water keeps your joints lubricated and aids in proper body function.
5. Use Joint Supporting Herbs
There are some anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, ashwagandha, and guggul that are excellent for joint support. Always consult with an expert before using herbal supplements.
Final Thoughts
Estrogen plays a major role in keeping your joints healthy and defending them. When estrogen levels drop, especially after menopause, women are more prone to joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Learning about osteoarthritis and estrogen can help women take care of their joint health in older age.
Whether with hormone therapy, natural therapies, or lifestyle changes, it’s worthwhile to act early to assist your joints. If you are a woman experiencing joint pain, especially around menopause, talk over possible causes and treatments with your physician. With good care, you can be active and free of pain for many years.
Experience lasting joint relief and hormonal balance with Verdant Ayurveda natural therapies, where ancient wisdom meets modern women’s health. Contact now!