Are hip pain and menopause connected?

May women in their menopausal years find themselves dealing with hip discomfort that can greatly impact their quality of life.

"Hip discomfort can be closely intertwined with hormonal shifts happening within your body during perimenopause and menopause," says Emily Levy, MD, a board-certified Sports Medicine Physician at Main Line Health. "Many people accept that pain comes with aging and menopause and there is nothing that can be done. However, there are often interventions that can help improve pain and function."

The connection between hip pain and menopause

During menopause, estrogen levels drop. The decrease in estrogen affects the health of tendons, bones and joints leading to an increase in injuries. In addition, menopause can lead to weight gain, which also can contribute to musculoskeletal pain.

"The most common menopause related hip condition that I see in my practice is gluteal tendon abnormalities," says Dr. Levy. "This condition can lead to pain in the outer hips with activity and even with sleeping."

In addition to gluteal tendon problems, osteoarthritis and fractures are other common causes of hip pain seen with women in menopause.

Identifying symptoms and when to seek help

Symptoms vary from person to person and depending on the cause but may include:

• Localized pain in the hip area, possibly radiating to the groin, thigh or outer hip
• Persistent discomfort that varies from a dull ache to a sharp sensation
• Difficulty standing for prolonged periods or walking
• Pain while sleeping on the affected hip
• Limited range of motion in the hip joint

Recommended course of treatment

Finding the right approach for treating hip pain associated with menopause is a collaborative journey with your healthcare provider — one that considers your unique experiences and symptoms. Dr. Levy says, "Getting the correct diagnosis for your hip pain is the key to getting better."

By doing targeted exercises at home or with a physical therapist, you can make your hip muscles stronger, which helps reduce pain and improve mobility.

"Another key element in managing hip pain is staying active. Being sedentary often makes pain worse," says Dr. Levy.

Low-impact exercises like swimming, biking and yoga are great for your joints without straining your hips. Eating a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D, as well as maintaining a balanced weight, can also improve your bone health and prevent fractures.

Some people find relief by trying complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care. These techniques can work alongside traditional treatments to provide a more holistic approach to managing pain.

The importance of self-care and prevention

During menopause, self-care is essential for managing discomfort and enhancing well-being. Staying hydrated, using hot and cold therapy for pain relief and prioritizing preventative measures like regular screenings can make a significant difference in how you feel physically and mentally.

Don't wait for pain to become severe before seeking help for symptoms. Consulting with your doctor can help you get a proper diagnosis and allow you to explore treatment options.

Next steps:

Make an appointment with Emily Levy, MD
Learn more about sports medicine at Main Line Health
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