Menopause and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding the Link and Exploring Natural Solutions
Introduction
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life, marked by the end of menstruation and a significant decrease in sex hormones , including estrogen. Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints , leading to pain and stiffness . Recently, studies have suggested that menopause may worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis , thus posing a double challenge for affected women. This article explores this complex relationship and examines how natural approaches, such as the use of cold, can offer relief.
Does menopause worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
Overview of the recent study
A study published in the journal Musculoskeletal Care surveyed 779 perimenopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis. The results are revealing:
- 80% of participants noticed a worsening of their symptoms during menopause.
- 10% reported a “considerable” deterioration in their condition.
These figures suggest a significant correlation between menopause and the intensification of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
The role of estrogen
Researchers attribute this worsening to the decline in estrogen levels during menopause. Estrogen plays a crucial role in modulating inflammation and joint health. Its decline can therefore exacerbate the inflammatory processes characteristic of menopause. rheumatoid arthritis .
Limited effectiveness of hormone treatments
The study also assessed the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT):
- Nearly half of the women surveyed were taking HRT.
- Among them, only 33% reported a “moderate or significant” reduction in their pain.
These results indicate that HRT is not a universal solution for alleviating RA symptoms during menopause.
Cryotherapy: A Natural Approach to Relieve Joint Pain and Menopause Symptoms
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy involves applying cold to the body for therapeutic purposes. It can be local (on a specific area) or global (exposing the entire body to very low temperatures). This method is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Effectiveness of cryotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Research has explored the use of cryotherapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A systematic review of six studies, including 257 patients, showed that chronic cryotherapy results in:
- A significant decrease in the visual analogue pain scale.
- A reduction in disease activity score at 28 joints.
These results suggest that cryotherapy may be an effective adjuvant in the management of rheumatoid arthritis , in addition to conventional treatments.
Cryotherapy to alleviate menopause symptoms
In addition to its effectiveness on joint pain, cryotherapy can also help manage certain symptoms of menopause, including:
- Hot flashes : Exposure to cold can help regulate body temperature and reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
- Sleep Disorders : By improving blood circulation and inducing a feeling of well-being, cryotherapy can contribute to better sleep.
Integrating cryotherapy into your daily routine
Available options
For those who wish to incorporate cryotherapy into their routine, using cold gel packs for the perineum can drastically relieve your pain and improve well-being. Indeed, the perineum is an area with many nerve endings , It acts as a central relay of the nervous and circulatory system, allowing the cold to act in depth on inflammation , pain , stress , while stimulating blood circulation and relaxation.
Find cold packs for the perineum here .
Conclusion
Menopause can exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms , making managing the condition even more challenging for affected women. While hormonal treatments offer mixed results, natural approaches like pelvic floor cryotherapy offer promise. As a complementary method , pelvic floor cryotherapy may help reduce inflammation , relieve joint pain , and alleviate some menopausal symptoms. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating this practice into your routine.
Sources:
- Santé Magazine. "Menopause worsens pain related to rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study." https://www.santemagazine.fr/actualites/actualites-traitement/la-menopause-aggrave-les-douleurs-liees-a-la-polyarthrite-rhumatoide-selon-une-etude-1107351
- iCryo Canada. "Does Cryotherapy Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?" https://icryocanada.com/cryotherapy-helps-rheumatoid-arthritis/
- Wikipedia. "Whole-body cryotherapy". https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryothérapie_corps_entier
If you would like to learn more about cryotherapy and its benefits, please feel free to consult the links above or contact a specialized healthcare professional.
