Your body makes less estrogen, which may support your bone and joint health, during menopause. While no arthritis cure exists, speak with your doctor about medications and lifestyle changes.

During menopause, estrogen production slows, which you may need to support bone and joint health.

Arthritis is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women, which has led researchers to explore the possible relationship between arthritis and menopause.

A 2018 human and mouse study looked at the effects of treatment with estrogen on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers found evidence to support a connection between estrogen and anti-inflammatory effects.

In particular, estrogen may boost the function of anti-inflammatory proteins. But estrogen levels decrease during menopause, which researchers suggest may explain why RA risk increases around this time.

In a 2023 research review of older human and animal studies on estrogen’s role in lower back and osteoarthritis (OA) pain, researchers noted that they may be related.

Researchers also provided evidence for estrogen therapy being a potential source of relief for those with OA.

More research on this topic, however, is needed. The relationship between lower estrogen levels and arthritis still needs to be studied.

Is estrogen therapy safe?

Estrogen therapy (a hormone therapy) is sometimes used to manage symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. A doctor is more likely to recommend this therapy if you have minimal risk for heart problems and cancers and are of younger age. They’ll likely give you the minimum effective dose and monitor you closely for side effects.

Anyone at any age can develop arthritis. But you may be more at risk, according to the CDC, depending on:

  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop OA and RA than men.
  • Age: OA tends to appear in people over the age of 50.
  • Family history: You may be more likely to develop arthritis if someone in your family also has it.
  • Medical history: You may be more likely to develop arthritis if you have a history of joint injuries.
  • Bone structure: Deformities of the bone may increase your risk of developing arthritis.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids or vitamins C, D, and E may raise your risk for arthritis.
  • Underlying health conditions: Those with diabetes may be more likely to develop arthritis or have joint pain.
  • Physical work: Regularly participating in demanding physical work may increase your risk of arthritis.
  • Substance use: Tobacco and other substances may increase your risk of developing arthritis. Speak with your doctor about smoking cessation tools if you want to quit.

Depending on the type of arthritis you may have, your symptoms, the severity of those symptoms, and the affected joints may differ. Common symptoms of arthritis may include:

  • pain, swellling, and heat around the affected joint
  • difficulty moving around
  • fever
  • weight loss
  • breathing problems
  • rash or itch

Arthritis doesn’t have a cure. And treatment plans may vary depending on the type you may have. But the following strategies may help you manage it:

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, such as diclofenac (Voltaren-XR). In some situations, a cortisone injection from your doctor may also help reduce your pain.

Sometimes surgery, such as an arthroscopy or joint replacement, may be recommended. But surgery is usually reserved for severe cases.

Speak with your doctor if you chronically (over the long term) experience at least two symptoms of arthritis or if it impacts your daily life.

Your doctor can properly assess your joint and symptoms and help create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

They may prescribe medications, such as DMARDs, NSAIDs, or biologics, suggest lifestyle changes, or provide a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

Your risk of developing arthritis may increase as you reach the age of menopause. Slowed estrogen production may have a role, but more research is needed.

You may not be able to cure arthritis, but you can do other things to help maintain your joint health:

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Maintain a moderate weight.
  • Avoid repetitive tasks which can overwork your joints.
  • Avoiding smoking if you smoke.
  • Eat a balanced, varied diet that includes a variety of vitamins and nutrients.

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