A newly approved drug, Abaloparatide, has been identified as a potential solution to alleviate joint pain and increase bone density for menopausal women, particularly during the colder winter months. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has given the green light to this new medication, offering hope to over half of menopausal women who experience stiffness, aches, and pains exacerbated by cold weather.
Dr Thom Phillips, Clinical Lead at Forth, a female-led company dedicated to women’s health, shared insights on why joint pain occurs during menopause and provided tips on managing it. With hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone playing a role in inflammation and joint lubrication, the decline of these hormones during menopause can lead to increased stiffness and joint pain, putting women at risk of conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
According to NHS statistics, osteoporosis affects around three million people in the UK, with women being four times more likely to develop the condition compared to men. Menopausal joint pain varies in intensity and can impact different joints such as the hands, feet, knees, shoulders, spine, and hips. Symptoms can include morning stiffness, pain that improves with activity, back pain, knee pain, and reduced range of motion.
Dr Phillips highlighted the benefits of low-impact exercises like walking, jogging, or weightlifting in stimulating bone growth and maintaining bone density, which can help alleviate joint pain. Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids through diet is recommended to support joint and bone health and address other menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and low mood.
As the cold weather can exacerbate joint stiffness, it is advised to keep warm by layering up, using heating pads, taking warm baths, and remaining active indoors. Hormone replacement therapy may also be considered to manage joint pain during perimenopause and menopause. Dr Phillips stressed the importance of consulting a GP to address joint pain, rule out underlying conditions, and explore treatment options for symptom relief.
In conclusion, the approval of Abaloparatide offers a glimmer of hope for menopausal women struggling with joint pain, providing a potential solution to improve their quality of life during the challenging winter season. In combination with lifestyle modifications, diet improvements, and medical advice, women can take proactive steps towards managing menopausal joint pain effectively and promoting overall well-being.