Menopausal Frozen Shoulder
Posted , 99 users are following.
Any ladies with frozen shoulder who are peri menopausal/menopausal and not on HRT should have a serious chat with a (preferably female) GP.
I suffered for ages (two male GP's dismissed the idea of it being hormonal) before being diagnosed with menopausal adhesive capsulitis by a Nurse Practitioner who researched the subject for her thesis. This is also sometimes known as menopausal tendonitis/arthritis. After a month of being on conjugated estrogen (Prempak C) it is like someone has 'oiled' my shoulder. I felt like I had completely seized up and my bicep and shoulder muscle were like concrete. I am now able to do gentle exercises to free the adhesion, and can now lift my arm (impossible for months) to wash and dry my hair/shave under arms etc. Estrogen is the WD40 of the body, and without it, in some women the soft connective tissue goes hard and brittle. Not all women suffer from joint/connective tissue problems in menopause,. but interesting it is usually the ladies who were a bit smug, because they got got to 50/55 ish with no real symptoms or hot flushes - then bam, being hit like a ton of bricks with frozen shoulder. I also had stiffness and pain in the other shoulder, other large joints, elbows and fingers. Mornings were terrible, it could take up to ten minutes to actually get OUT of bed, and sleep? Forget it, being woken with shoulder pain every half an hour.
HRT is not for everyone, but AC was ruining my life. Given that the prognosis for recovery can be up to seven years ...I decided the risk was worth it.
i would never EVER have thought that simple 'hormones' could cause so much pain and change me from being a fairly fit 50 year old into a crippled 90 year old.
Google menopausal frozen shoulder/menopausal tendonitis/arthritis and go and see your GP ladies!!
14 likes, 270 replies
bex53708
Posted
I will let you all know
Bex
lisa77777
Posted
margofandango
Posted
kat57435
Posted
In terms of basic info/stats: I'm 54, about 18 mos. into 'official meno,' and was sort of trundling along more or less(!?) dealing with emotional sturm and drang, and some lite hot flashes...until late last fall. Then, the wheels really fell off the cart early this year; the hot flashes intensified to the radioactive stage, and FS (along with general aches and pains) set in with a vengeance.
Last summer and fall, my right shoulder in particular began to bother me, but I just adapted-and continued powerlifting (heavy weights-perhaps I should have backed off on that more quickly), galloping around on my horse (along with chores like lugging buckets of water, mucking stall etc.), and doing lots of writing via computer.
Just before the winter holiday season, I decided to get serious and see a physiotherapist; he diagnosed weak rotator cuffs, and I embarked on a fairly rigorous strengthening regimen (very light weights/5 exercises with lots of reps...took me 45 min. twice a day).
After two weeks I didn't feel any better, but was surviving, and the physio fellow told me to do more sets/reps. Five days after stepping up the exercises, my body said, "Whoa!" I'd developed much more pain in the right shoulder...and my left shoulder had begun to hurt as well.
Sooo, I saw a GP, who sent me for x-rays and ultrasound toute suite-in retrospect, something I should have done before embarking on phyiso. The tests showed I have pretty equal 'calcific tendonitis' in my shoulders.Rotator cuff problems/adhesive capsulitis/calcific tendonitis/FS may be different conditions, but they seem tshare many symptoms, and levels of discomfort/pain.
In the case of 'CT,' little deposits of calcium build up on shoulder tendons etc., and subsequent rubbing results in painful aggravation. Apparently, these rotten bits of calcium dissolve eventually, apparently relieving the whole jolly ouch factor...but they seem to take their time.
Oh, and the deposits can be 'asymptomatic,' as in not being painful; must be nice!! Treatments I'm aware of include cortisone shots (didn't work for me), shockwave therapy (felt okay on my not-so-bad shoulder...and HORRIBLE on the bad one...will not be repeating that!), along with 'needling' (don't ask, it makes me queasy!).
My GP simply offered me some Tylenol with codeine for the pain; anti-inflammatories and the Tylenol 3 haven't helped to any degree (plus, the caffeine in the T3's makes me loopy), so I've mainly been finding a bit of relief by taking hot showers, and icing the shoulders...not simultaneously .
I'm feeling really frustrated by my lack of mobility re: right arm, and the blasé attitude of many health professionals; hey, I may not be a spring chicken, but I'm sure as heck not ready to bathe in Bengay and retire to an easy chair! Seriously??!!
As has been discussed on this thread, I feel there is a definite hormone connection, re: sudden blazing hot flashes and sore joints, in addition to FS, all coming on rather suddenly. I've been to a pharmacist to discuss BHRT, but have not committed to that path at this point.
Since I've now pretty much recovered from the 'shock' of shockwave therapy (wouldn't rule it out completely, but it's sooo not right for me at this stage of FS), I'm planning to try out a multi-disciplinary clinic that does chiro/physio/laser/accupunture/massage et al. Some pain mediation and slight increase of range of motion are my lofty goals.
I'm used to being quite fit and active, and having been reduced to walking-as-exercise over the past few months has been drudgery...although I AM grateful that I can at least walk!! My rock hard core muscles are turning to mush (after all those years of tossing heavy iron plates around, sigh), which is depressing.
My main motivation right now-besides being able to put on underarm deodorant/tuck in my shirts and all that glamorous stuff-is to be able to ride my horse as the weather improves. Right now, I know I'd need a mounting block to get in the saddle, and my shoulders would feel pretty vulnerable re: possible fall, eek. It's alsoa bit awkward having the reins in one hand (neck reining isn't a big deal, but my horse hasn't totally grasped the concept).
Driving is also a major challenge right now. If we just had a cute little sedan, things would be very doable, BUT we have a pickup truck...with a stick shift, and NO power steering!! I'm just not in any shape to be python wrestling, but if I keep my shifting to a minimum, and don't get into situations where I have to crank the steering wheel a lot, I can get around (although I'm driving much less).
My writing production has also fallen off a ton i.e. weekly column suspended for now, and not able to chase after interviews. I really miss bashing away on the computer till all hours on a story, editing away like crazy...oh, and also the photography! It's tough setting up shoots when you have to use your camera one handed, bleah!
Well, that's my FS experience to date, for what it's worth. Even if I haven't found that elusive miracle cure, it has been very helpful to read about what other folks have been going through. Regarding menopause in general, and FS specifically, I hope we're all somehow able to find ANY degree of relief as we deal with this lousy condition...and that we all ultimately more or less regain our range of motion and strength.
I've worked on coming to terms with being 54 (moi? not bouncing around youthfully? pshaw!), but this fast forward to 90 is just a bit much. If I see one more octogenarian frolicking circles around me, I may just have a total meltdown, yikes...
p.s. 'medicare' covers GP care, and referral to specialists (if you like waiting on lists), but I have no 'extended health care,' so all this physio/chiro etc. is hard on the wallet...then again, if your quality of life is crappy, what's more important that that; it's just a bit dizzying seeing that cash disappear so rapidly, sob.
kat57435
Posted
In terms of basic info/stats: I'm 54, about 18 mos. into 'official meno,' and was sort of trundling along more or less(!?) dealing with emotional sturm and drang, and some lite hot flashes...until late last fall. Then, the wheels really fell off the cart early this year; the hot flashes intensified to the radioactive stage, and FS (along with general aches and pains) set in with a vengeance.
Last summer and fall, my right shoulder in particular began to bother me, but I just adapted-and continued powerlifting (heavy weights-perhaps I should have backed off on that more quickly), galloping around on my horse (along with chores like lugging buckets of water, mucking stall etc.), and doing lots of writing via computer.
Just before the winter holiday season, I decided to get serious and see a physiotherapist; he diagnosed weak rotator cuffs, and I embarked on a fairly rigorous strengthening regimen (very light weights/5 exercises with lots of reps...took me 45 min. twice a day).
After two weeks I didn't feel any better, but was surviving, and the physio fellow told me to do more sets/reps. Five days after stepping up the exercises, my body said, "Whoa!" I'd developed much more pain in the right shoulder...and my left shoulder had begun to hurt as well.
Sooo, I saw a GP, who sent me for x-rays and ultrasound toute suite-in retrospect, something I should have done before embarking on phyiso. The tests showed I have pretty equal 'calcific tendonitis' in my shoulders.Rotator cuff problems/adhesive capsulitis/calcific tendonitis/FS may be different conditions, but they seem tshare many symptoms, and levels of discomfort/pain.
In the case of 'CT,' little deposits of calcium build up on shoulder tendons etc., and subsequent rubbing results in painful aggravation. Apparently, these rotten bits of calcium dissolve eventually, apparently relieving the whole jolly ouch factor...but they seem to take their time.
Oh, and the deposits can be 'asymptomatic,' as in not being painful; must be nice!! Treatments I'm aware of include cortisone shots (didn't work for me), shockwave therapy (felt okay on my not-so-bad shoulder...and HORRIBLE on the bad one...will not be repeating that!), along with 'needling' (don't ask, it makes me queasy!).
My GP simply offered me some Tylenol with codeine for the pain; anti-inflammatories and the Tylenol 3 haven't helped to any degree (plus, the caffeine in the T3's makes me loopy), so I've mainly been finding a bit of relief by taking hot showers, and icing the shoulders...not simultaneously .
I'm feeling really frustrated by my lack of mobility re: right arm, and the blasé attitude of many health professionals; hey, I may not be a spring chicken, but I'm sure as heck not ready to bathe in Bengay and retire to an easy chair! Seriously??!!
As has been discussed on this thread, I feel there is a definite hormone connection, re: sudden blazing hot flashes and sore joints, in addition to FS, all coming on rather suddenly. I've been to a pharmacist to discuss BHRT, but have not committed to that path at this point.
Since I've now pretty much recovered from the 'shock' of shockwave therapy (wouldn't rule it out completely, but it's sooo not right for me at this stage of FS), I'm planning to try out a multi-disciplinary clinic that does chiro/physio/laser/accupunture/massage et al. Some pain mediation and slight increase of range of motion are my lofty goals.
I'm used to being quite fit and active, and having been reduced to walking-as-exercise over the past few months has been drudgery...although I AM grateful that I can at least walk!! My rock hard core muscles are turning to mush (after all those years of tossing heavy iron plates around, sigh), which is depressing.
My main motivation right now-besides being able to put on underarm deodorant/tuck in my shirts and all that glamorous stuff-is to be able to ride my horse as the weather improves. Right now, I know I'd need a mounting block to get in the saddle, and my shoulders would feel pretty vulnerable re: possible fall, eek. It's alsoa bit awkward having the reins in one hand (neck reining isn't a big deal, but my horse hasn't totally grasped the concept).
Driving is also a major challenge right now. If we just had a cute little sedan, things would be very doable, BUT we have a pickup truck...with a stick shift, and NO power steering!! I'm just not in any shape to be python wrestling, but if I keep my shifting to a minimum, and don't get into situations where I have to crank the steering wheel a lot, I can get around (although I'm driving much less).
My writing production has also fallen off a ton i.e. weekly column suspended for now, and not able to chase after interviews. I really miss bashing away on the computer till all hours on a story, editing away like crazy...oh, and also the photography! It's tough setting up shoots when you have to use your camera one handed, bleah!
Well, that's my FS experience to date, for what it's worth. Even if I haven't found that elusive miracle cure, it has been very helpful to read about what other folks have been going through. Regarding menopause in general, and FS specifically, I hope we're all somehow able to find ANY degree of relief as we deal with this lousy condition...and that we all ultimately more or less regain our range of motion and strength.
I've worked on coming to terms with being 54 (moi? not bouncing around youthfully? pshaw!), but this fast forward to 90 is just a bit much. If I see one more octogenarian frolicking circles around me, I may just have a total meltdown, yikes...
p.s. 'medicare' covers GP care, and referral to specialists (if you like waiting on lists), but I have no 'extended health care,' so all this physio/chiro etc. is hard on the wallet...then again, if your quality of life is crappy, what's more important that that; it's just a bit dizzying seeing that cash disappear so rapidly, sob.
Sharon1962
Posted
I haven't been on for ages, sorry been so busy.
Had (HAD) frozen shoulder, but I'm nearly fully recovered 1 year on.
I won't have the opp for the tendon damage until I retire from work.
Would highly recommend physio and ache puncture. Can't thank West Cornwall hospital enough.
I only wish somebody would sort my head out as it play tricks on the brian.
Not being able to do the sports you love and gain weight because you can't stall as active.
Still never mind, I have my arm back working at 80% capacity, onward and upward.
Cheerios for now
kat57435
Posted
kat57435
Posted
As you can tell, I'm very technical! Whatever the proper names, this regimen is definitely helping. I also have about 8 stretches to do every day; again, they're not a joy to do, but the slight discomfort is totally outweighed by my shoulder being more 'freed up' after so few sessions. I never thought putting on deodorant would be such a thrill, yeesh.
I hope my story thus far will be at least somewhat encouraging; I know we all have different variations of FS or whatever, but I'm sooo glad I ditched the harmful physio strength program that ended up aggravating my condition...along with the shockwave therapy my soooore shoulder just couldn't handle (not while conscious, anyway).
It's amazing how recovering even a small percentage of your former functionality is a great morale boost. My bank account may be suffering, but it is so worth it. Good luck to everyone else out there for now; I realize I'm not about to play professional baseball or pole vault again (HA), but I feel much more confident I WILL be able to resume most daily activities after some more rehab/time.
Sharon1962
Posted
I totally get what you are saying about all your treatment.
Also, putting on the under arm spray and dare I say it, doing the toilet business is a joy now.
I could't rotate my arm to my backside (like in a yoga position which name escapes me) for my surgeon.
No amount of pressure could get it there. Physio or a red band.
But this year, I can and it goes up my back.
But I will never to able to thai box again, he's banned me unless I want the inquiry to get longer.
So it's swimming and low impact exercise and that's hard as I've boxed for 5 years solid 3 nights a week.
Nobody seems to get what that does to your head apart from my girlfriends who I trained with and are still
going strong. But to be fair they are 10 - 15 years younger than me.
Nice chatting
Keep up the good work
xx
Sharon
Sharon1962
Posted
sorry! be able to
sorry! also the inquiry is a torn tendon
kat57435
Posted
After 4 sessions of physio (and daily stretching at home), my range of motion is continuing to improve...amazing compared to 2 weeks ago. Let's hope we both make more great progress .
lois1013
Posted
August 2013 – Dull ache in my left arm when pulling shirt and sports bra off over my head.
September 2013 – Continued dull ache and my menstrual cycle stopped for 3 months
October 2013 - Pain got worse at night and had to start sleeping with a thin pillow under my arm to get any relief. Couldn't sleep on my left side at all and started waking up from the pain during the night. Started exercising at the gym and pain worsened when lifting weights. Thought I had a pulled muscle, but the pain didn't stop after a few days of rest.
November 2013 – Knife-like, stabbing pains started to become frequent with certain movements. Hubby asked me to go to the doctor, but I was stubborn and prideful in thinking that it would soon get better. Meanwhile I became more agitated and angry that the 'agonizing' pain wouldn't go away. Treated my husband like crap and very ashamed at that since he is a sweet man and didn't deserve my nasty attitude.
December 2013 – Became more concerned after the frequency and dibilitating effects of the knife-like sharp pain, so I went to my GP. She took xÂ-rays and an MRI. Gave me a bunch of different pain medications to try, but nothing worked at all. She said the tests were inconclusive and sent me to an Orthopedic Surgeon.
January 2014 – Orthopedic Surgeon knew right away from the MRI and from trying to move my arm that I had a frozen shoulder. He said 70% of the people that get this are middle-aged women. He had no explanation for how we get it though.... Hmmmm!!! He suggested physical therapy for a month and then if there was no progress, he would have to manipulate it. He also said that cortisone shots wouldn't help since it was already completely frozen....
February 2014 – Physical Therapy helped a lot at first. The knife-like pain was gone and I could sleep better. But then after about 12 days, it plateaued and it started feeling like torture instead of giving me any relief. I went for another 4 days and stopped the therapy. I did ask the PT about why people get frozen shoulder and he said they didn't know for sure, but 90% of the people that come to their office with a frozen shoulder are middle-aged women. So my doctor and my PT both said middle-aged women. Come on medical community, wise up, sounds like hormones could be one of the most logical reasons. At the follow up visit with my doctor, he told me to keep exercising at home to retain motion. He said it would still hurt and that it may take up to a year to get better.
March 2014 – I have been stretching it each day, but not doing all the exercises because I don't want to be in constant pain all day. I'm bearing with the pain since it is much better. But guess what. My right arm is now aching in the same places that my left arm did when it started hurting. Learning to live with the pain...
Moral of this story is that I believe that there is a strong correlation between hormonal changes and frozen shoulder. It doesn't seem like a coincidence to me that I start having irregular menstrual cycles (heavy bleeding for longer periods of time) and a frozen shoulder at the same time. Plus, the statistics that they gave me of how many middle-aged women get this compared with others due to known injuries or neck/back problems are proof enough for me. As for HRT, I have a routine GP visit coming up, so I will be asking her about it.
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your stories and encouragements. I am standing strong in believing that this too shall pass....Prayfully sooner rather than later.....
margofandango
Posted
lois1013
Posted
Sorry to hear that you are experiencing the double frozen shoulder. I'm actually in the U.S. I was so thrilled to find this website and forum since it seems like so many of us women worldwide are experiencing similar symptoms around the same time of life. I have been referred to a chiropractor that works with frozen shoulders, so I'm thinking on giving him a try. He told my cousin that having a frozen shoulder is one of the most painful experiences that can plague the musculoskeletal system. So, I'm glad that he has some sympathy already. The reason why I haven't gone to him yet is due to I'm still paying on the PT bill for my left arm. A vicious cycle is our health insurance in the U.S. and it's getting worse and more costly by the minute...
Thanks for the advice to get working on my second arm quicker for a quicker recovery. Hearing that it will recover quicker if I jump on it is helping me to decide to give him a call. He is less expensive than the PT, so it may not cost me as much as my left arm....
Many thanks, Lois
suzettef
Posted
I don't know if anyone here can give me advice. Today is the first I have read of a link between menopause and FS. My left shoulder went bad in July 2013 after a yoga class. Just as it started getting better through home therapy the right went bad in January. I know this is from the dependence on my right for everything. It's awful now. I can't even undress myself. Simple stupid things I do without thinking throw me into horrible pain and can set me back for days. I won't let my fiance do therapy when the pain is too intense...I'm a baby.
Anyway, if menopause is part of the cause, and I hit it 2013, AND I do not intend on using HRT, is there any natural supplement, herbal, mineral, plant based that I might be able to take that will help. I am so tired of the regimen of pain meds to at least sleep.
I am doing all the exercises I can to keep both shoulders moving, I've got both of them capable of raising out from my sides to about an 80 degree angle on good days.