Osteoarthritis is a pain. Literally. And this joint pain affects large numbers of menopausal and postmenopausal women. Yet there is hope for relief.
One study noted that after women received Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), specifically estrogen replacement therapy, their joint pain decreased. Plus, these women had lower rates of knee and hip replacement.
And a 2019 Korean study published in the North American Menopause Society Journal produced some encouraging results of BHRT on knee and hip osteoarthritis. Those in the study who received BHRT for a year or more had 30% lower rates of arthritis than those who didn’t take hormones. The study also noted that hormone therapy may reduce the deterioration of the cartilage in these areas.
This information comes as no surprise to the providers at Dynamic Life Health Center. We see the results of BHRT every day.
By balancing hormones and replacing depleted hormone levels, we can optimize your health and treat the negative effects of aging — including osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis & Hormones
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage of your joints wears away. When this happens, the “cushion” of that cartilage is no longer protecting your bones, which start to grind against one another. This can cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Approximately 32 million people suffer from osteoarthritis, and it’s more common for women than men after age 45. Because it affects so many postmenopausal women, medical researchers have studied how declining hormone levels may affect osteoporosis.
Estrogen has been shown to increase the production of collagen, a key component of cartilage. It can also decrease the production of enzymes that break down cartilage. Estrogen may also have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help reduce joint inflammation and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Progesterone is thought to affect bone metabolism, and it may also have a protective effect on cartilage. Some studies have suggested that women who take BHRT, which includes both estrogen and progesterone, may have a lower risk of osteoarthritis than those who take estrogen alone.
Testosterone may also play a role in osteoarthritis. Some studies have suggested that low testosterone levels in men may be associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees. Testosterone may influence bone density and metabolism, and it may also affect cartilage metabolism.
How Can BHRT Slow the Progression of Osteoarthritis?
Hormones can have a tremendous effect on your bones and joints. A few ways BHRT can help ease osteoarthritis and slow its progression include:
- Strengthening cartilage, which can help prevent wear and tear on your joints
- Reducing inflammation, which can reduce swelling and pain
- Improving sleep and increasing energy, which can make it easier to exercise and keep weight in a healthy range (a risk factor for osteoarthritis)
While these are just a few benefits of BHRT, they are some of the most important for osteoarthritis relief.
Micronutrient Testing
Besides replacing depleted hormones, you can reduce your risk of developing joint problems by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising daily, and ensuring you have the right nutrients in your diet.
And even if you eat well and stay active, you may still have nutrient deficiencies. Your unique biochemistry, illness, age, stress, and many more things can contribute.
To help determine exactly what nutrients your body is lacking, we offer micronutrient testing. This testing provides a comprehensive assessment of the levels of the most important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, and amino acids.
We can perform micronutrient testing along with hormone testing. And we offer this test to all patients as one of the first steps in determining the root causes of illness and hormonal imbalance.
The Providers at Dynamic Life Health Center are Here to Help You!
Imbalanced hormones can cause you to experience a variety of symptoms—including osteoarthritis pain, swelling and stiffness. As you age, you may consider this to be your new normal, but it doesn’t have to be.
Dynamic Life Health Center provides comprehensive testing to identify your imbalances or deficiencies. We can then prescribe a treatment protocol to restore both your health and your vitality.
Dr. Berutti and her Physician Assistant, Melanie Martin, PA, prescribe bioidentical hormones medications, including hormone pellets.
Our providers and staff go the extra mile to provide you with quality health care in a compassionate environment. Our mission is to spend the extra time with you to get to know you and your specific needs in order to start you on your journey to better health and wellness.
