Supplements for Menopause Joint Pain

Hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain…joint pain? When it comes to menopause, joint pain is a common, but rarely discussed, symptom that affects thousands of women each year. While many associate joint pain with aging, menopausal joint pain is more than just the natural erosion of cartilage. Like many menopause symptoms, joint pain often has a hormonal component. In this article, we’ll discuss common supplements that can help you rebalance your hormones to soothe joint pain. 

Menopause and Joint Pain 

Doctors first identified menopausal joint pain, or “arthralgia of menopause” as early as 1925. These days, it’s estimated that over 50% of menopausal women experience joint pain or arthritis. 

The first stage of menopause, also known as perimenopause, typically begins in the early to mid-forties as estrogen levels naturally begin to taper off. A person is said to be in menopause when they have gone 12 months without a period. 

During menopause, hormonal shifts can be dramatic. The fall in estrogen, specifically, can have wide ranging impacts. This is because estrogen’s role in the body goes far beyond reproductive and sexual health. 

Estrogen receptors throughout our joint tissue are responsible for collagen production and maintenance. Similarly, estrogen is responsible for signaling bone replacement, preventing inflammation, and supporting healthy functioning in our muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 

Studies show that properly balanced estrogen levels have a significant protective effect throughout our musculoskeletal system. Meanwhile, low estrogen can lead to joint pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness, especially in the feet and hands.  

Menopause Joint Pain Causes

The causes of menopause joint pain can vary from person to person. The most common causes of menopause-related joint pain are:

Hormones

Changes in estrogen levels can reduce muscle flexibility, collagen production, and bone replacement. 

Weight Gain

One common side effect of menopause, weight gain, can place added pressure on your joints, leading to pain and limited mobility. 

Muscle Loss

Research shows that menopause can lead to a decline in muscle mass and strength. As a result, tendons, ligaments, and joints can become strained. 

Inflammation

The hormonal changes involved in menopause can trigger an increase in inflammation, as well as decrease the body’s ability to fight free radical damage. 

Supplements for Menopause Joint Pain

Looking for a natural way to soothe menopause joint pain? In addition to regular exercise and good nutrition, supplements can help support healthy hormonal balance, limit inflammation, and lubricate painful joints.

Standard Process Wheat Germ Oil

Standard Process Wheat Germ Oil encourages healthy hormonal balance and helps limit inflammation. Wheat germ oil is rich in phytoestrogens, naturally-occurring plant-based compounds that mimic the behavior of human estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors throughout the body. 

As a result, wheat germ oil has long been a popular choice for women struggling with painful periods, PMS, and menopause. Additionally, wheat germ oil is high in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to help preserve skeletal muscle and counteract joint pain and inflammation.

Standard Process Wheat Germ Oil provides 385mg of all-natural wheat germ oil sourced from a select group of organic producers and growers.  

Standard Process Glucosamine Synergy

Standard Process Glucosamine Synergy is a joint health powerhouse, combining the inflammation-fighting power of boswellia with the restorative, joint-building functions of glucosamine. 

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a supplement derived from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. Not only is boswellia’s major active component, boswellic acid, a powerful antioxidant, it contains certain enzymes that interrupt the body’s inflammation and swelling response. As a result, boswellia is often touted as a natural alternative to traditional over-the-counter painkillers like NSAIDs.  

Glucosamine is an essential compound used in the production of cartilage, bone, and other structural elements that make up our joints. Studies show that glucosamine supplementation can significantly reduce cartilage breakdown and even improve recovery following joint injury.  

Standard Process Tuna Omega-3 Oil

Is any joint health article complete without at least one mention of omega-3s? These healthy fats are famous for their ability to lubricate joints, fight inflammation, and soothe the pain associated with cartilage degeneration. Fish oil can even help with weight loss. 

However, when choosing a fish oil supplement, it’s important to be selective. At best, low-quality fish oil supplements may lack active enough EPA and DHA fatty acids to be effective; at worst, they can be downright toxic, full of pollutants and heavy metals.

That’s why our top suggestion for a clean, effective fish oil is Standard Process Tuna Omega-3 Oil. Rigorously tested for toxins like mercury and other heavy metals, Standard Process Tuna Omega-3 Oil guarantees quality in every dose.