Hormone-Aware Joint Care for Women
Whole-body orthopaedic care that understands the impact of hormonal change.
At Form & Function Orthopaedics, we believe that midlife pain deserves more than a shrug and a “welcome to getting older.” If you’re a woman in your 40s, 50s, or 60s experiencing joint pain, tendon flare-ups, or slower recovery – you’re not imagining it. You may be experiencing what experts now recognize as the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM).
What Is the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause?
MSM describes the physical changes that occur in response to declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause, including:
- New or worsening joint pain and stiffness
- Tendon disorders like frozen shoulder or plantar fasciitis
- Delayed recovery from injuries or overuse
- Early sarcopenia (muscle loss)
- Accelerated bone loss and increased fracture risk
In a 2023 review led by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright, researchers reported that up to 40% of radiologic studies in symptomatic women appear normal, contributing to misdiagnosis or dismissal of their pain.
These symptoms aren’t “just aging.” They’re biological. And they’re treatable – with the right approach.
Why Hormones Matter in Joint and Tissue Health
Estrogen plays a structural role in your musculoskeletal system.
Tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone, and muscle all have estrogen receptors, which means they respond directly to hormonal shifts.
As estrogen levels decline, these tissues are more prone to:
- Stiffness, thickening, and inflammation
- Micro-injuries and slower healing
- Reduced collagen production and joint lubrication
- Loss of tensile strength, elasticity, and resilience
Without intervention, these changes can lead to pain, instability, and a slower path to recovery – especially when compounded by declining bone density and muscle mass.
A Whole-Body, Collaborative Approach
We don’t treat joints in isolation – we treat you.
At Form & Function Orthopaedics, your care plan is personalized, hormone-aware, and function-focused.
We work closely with trusted hormone specialists to ensure that musculoskeletal treatment supports, and is supported by, your broader health goals – including hormonal balance and bone health. Whether you’re already working with a hormone provider or need a referral, we ensure your care is coordinated, not fragmented.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Movement-based rehabilitation with our certified athletic trainer
- Bone and muscle support strategies to counteract early sarcopenia and osteopenia
- Targeted orthobiologic therapies – such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or microfragmented adipose tissue – when clinically appropriate, to help reduce inflammation and support healing in hormonally affected tissues
These tools are integrated – not isolated. Regenerative therapies are part of a broader strategy designed to help you stay strong, mobile, and in motion through every stage of midlife and beyond.
“Many of our patients are women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who’ve been told their pain is ‘just aging.’ We believe in listening deeply, treating the root cause, and supporting movement at every stage of life.”
– Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley
Your Midlife Isn’t a Decline – It’s a Turning Point
You deserve care that respects your lived experience and supports your vitality. Whether you’re training, rehabbing, or just trying to stay pain-free and active – we’ll help you move forward with science-backed strategies and whole-person care.
Want to Learn More About Perimenopause and Musculoskeletal Health?
Explore these trusted resources:
- North American Menopause Society (NAMS) – Evidence-based info on hormone health and midlife
- Feinberg School of Medicine: The Menopause Transition – Research-backed insights on perimenopause
- Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause: Is it a Myth? – Vonda J. Wright, MD, et al., Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023 – A scientific review connecting estrogen decline to joint and tissue pain, imaging challenges, and under-treatment
- Estrogen Matters by Dr. Avrum Bluming & Carol Tavris – A well-researched, myth-busting look at estrogen therapy’s role in brain, bone, and musculoskeletal health
Let’s create a care plan that works with your body – not against it.
