How to Protect Against Joint Pain at Any Age

Several studies have found a link between declining estrogen levels leading into menopause and an increase in reports of joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis. Although the link between low estrogen and arthritis isn’t fully understood, part of the story may be that estrogen can have a protective, anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Studies have found that low estrogen levels—caused by the onset of menopause, by medications that lower estrogen levels, or other reasons—can bring on joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis where none previously existed. In one study, estrogen therapy was used to elevate the presence of estrogen in the body in post-menopausal women with arthritis-related joint pain, and the results were quite promising. The results of this study also suggested that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may provide lasting, sustained relief from joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis. Read more…