Women born between 1966 and 1981 are being urged not to ignore a little-known symptom that could be linked to menopause and perimenopause. In a video shared with his Instagram followers on Monday, GP and TV doctor Dr Amir Khan highlighted the connection between menopause and a condition known as frozen shoulder, warning that many women may mistakenly put the symptoms down to getting older.
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight, leading to pain, stiffness and a gradual loss of movement. While the condition has long been recognised by doctors, Dr Khan said experts are increasingly looking at the role hormones may play in triggering it.
According to Dr Amir, frozen shoulder is most common in women aged between 45 and 60. One leading theory centres on falling levels of oestrogen, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps maintain healthy connective tissues. As oestrogen levels fluctuate and decline during menopause, researchers believe the shoulder capsule may become more vulnerable to inflammation and excessive scar tissue formation.
The NHS says frozen shoulder develops gradually and can cause pain and stiffness that lasts for months or even years. It is most common in people aged between 40 and 60, with women more likely to be affected than men. Research has also highlighted a link between frozen shoulder and diabetes, with people with diabetes up to five times more likely to develop the condition.
Dr Amir stressed that women should not simply accept worsening shoulder pain as a normal consequence of ageing. 'The most important thing is that if you're in your 40s or 50s and develop shoulder pain that's gradually getting stiffer rather than better, don't just put up with it,' he said. 'Don't say it's just down to ageing. It could be frozen shoulder and getting the right diagnosis early can help you access the treatments and exercises that may improve your symptoms.'
