Menopause and Muscle Pain
So you are experiencing hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms of menopause. But did you know your muscle tension and pain is also a common symptom of menopause?
Muscle tension, or myofascial pain syndrome, affects the connective tissue that covers our muscles. Inflammation of this tissue causes pain; it can come and go or be a constant problem. It comes about because of the hormonal changes a woman goes through during menopause.
Estrogen levels plummet in a woman in menopause and cortisol levels rise. Cortisol is a stress hormone, so you know that can’t be a good thing. Blood pressure and blood sugar rises in response to the increased levels.
This elevation in cortisol causes the muscles to tighten and become fatigued. To add to this problem, the soothing progesterone that women have in their bodies also drops. Pain and achiness results.
Easing the Pain
- Watch what you eat and keep it healthy. Try to stick to a diet that is high in nutrients. Stay away from processed foods and refined carbohydrates— they only add fuel to the inflammation. It is better to eat wholesome foods like fruits that are high in antioxidants.
- Forego the java. Caffeine may aggravate the pain by making your muscles more sensitive to pain and causing them tense up much further. Keep your caffeine intake at a minimum to avoid pain.
- Quit smoking. Nicotine can make your muscle tension worse. Besides, it isn’t good for you anyway. Kick the nasty habit.
- Drink plenty of water. Water is used in your body for many functions so you need to keep hydrated. Drink eight glasses per day to keep joints lubricated and allow your body to do its work effectively.
- Daily activity and exercise. Stretching exercises will keep the muscles limber and help release the tension from them. You need to exercise regularly to keep your muscles in top shape.
- Use pain relievers as needed. There is nothing wrong with taking Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain relief. You may also want to try heat pads, yoga, and massage therapy. Some people find that acupuncture helps as well. Do what you think helps.
- Be sure to get enough sleep. It is important to get a good night’s sleep; this is the time your body rejuvenates. Sleep is a good stress reliever, so it is imperative to get your zzz’s. Taking a high quality menopause supplement can help to ensure that you are taking in enough essential vitamins and minerals.
Talk to your doctor about what is the best course of treatment if the home remedies to not help you. The doctor will try hormonal balancing therapies to get your body back in equilibrium and alleviate your menopausal symptoms. You deserve to live without pain holding you back.
