Could Your Frozen Shoulder Be Linked to Hormones?

If you're dealing with a frozen shoulder, you're probably all too familiar with the pain and the frustrating lack of movement. What often goes unrecognised, though, is the powerful role your hormones—particularly oestrogen—play in joint health. And for women in perimenopause or menopause, that connection becomes even more important.

In this blog, we’ll explore the latest research around hormones and frozen shoulder, why this matters for midlife women, and how you can start supporting your joint health naturally—today.

What Is Frozen Shoulder—and Why Does It Happen?

Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis) causes stiffness, pain, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. It often develops slowly and can take months—or even years—to fully resolve.

Interestingly, it’s significantly more common in women around midlife, particularly during the perimenopausal and menopausal years. So why is that?

The Hormone-Joint Health Connection

New research is now shedding light on this question. It turns out that lower oestrogen levels can contribute to fibrosis (scar tissue formation) in the shoulder joint. This happens through disruption of a key anti-inflammatory pathway in the body known as the PI3K-Akt pathway.

When this pathway is affected by low oestrogen, it can lead to increased inflammation and tissue stiffening—both of which play a role in the development of frozen shoulder.

This opens the door for future oestrogen-targeted therapies, but you don’t have to wait for those to take action. There are natural and effective ways to reduce inflammation and support your joints right now.

How to Support Your Joint Health Naturally

1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Food is powerful medicine—especially when it comes to inflammation and joint repair.

Try to include:

• Fresh vegetables and fruits – Antioxidants help neutralise inflammation.

• Probiotic-rich foods – Such as kefir, kombucha, natural yoghurt, and cultured vegetables to support gut and immune health.

• High-quality protein – Grass-fed meat, oily fish, and free-range eggs provide amino acids essential for healing and tissue strength.

• Healthy fats – Like avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and coconut oil to nourish cell membranes and ease inflammation.

  
  

2. Consider Key Supplements

(Speak to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements—especially if you're on medication.)

• Turmeric (curcumin) – A well-known natural anti-inflammatory for joint pain.

• Omega-3 fatty acids – From fish oil or algae, which can help reduce joint stiffness and discomfort.

• Magnesium – Supports muscle relaxation and tissue repair, especially helpful if your muscles feel tight or achy.

• CoQ10 – An antioxidant that also boosts energy at the cellular level and helps reduce oxidative stress.

  
  

3. Address Lifestyle Inflammation Triggers

Inflammation isn’t just about what you eat—it’s also about how you live.

Try to reduce exposure to:

• Chronic stress – Introduce stress-reducing practices like gentle movement, breathing exercises, or journaling.

• Sedentary habits – Avoid long periods of sitting. Gentle shoulder mobility exercises can also be helpful.

• Smoking and toxins – These increase systemic inflammation and slow healing.

• Excess weight – Places more stress on joints and can amplify inflammation.

  
  

What This Means for Women in Midlife

This new research reinforces something many of us in the natural health field have suspected for a while: hormonal changes influence far more than just hot flushes and mood swings. They have a profound effect on tissue health, including your joints.

And while pharmaceutical treatments may eventually target oestrogen pathways to reduce fibrosis, there’s plenty you can do with diet and lifestyle to make a difference—starting today.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder, it’s not 'just something you have to live with.' By understanding the root causes—including the hormonal connection—you can take proactive steps to support your recovery.

And if you're in perimenopause or menopause, it’s even more important to prioritise anti-inflammatory strategies to protect your long-term joint health.

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Need help personalising your plan? 

As a qualified nutritional therapist, I work with women to address chronic symptoms and restore balance—through nutrition, targeted supplements, and lifestyle that supports your unique stage of life.

Book a discovery call today and take the first step toward moving freely again.

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