Marla Ahlgrimm: Joint Pain Not Inevitable In Menopausal Women

Pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm answers questions about joint pain as it relates to menopause and aging.

Q: What are common causes of joint pain in women over 40?

Marla Ahlgrimm: As the body’s hormone production naturally decreases, many women experience aches and pains in their joints, muscles and connective tissues. Joint pain in menopausal women may be caused by diminished estrogen levels. Estrogen is important for the body’s creation of synovial fluid, the liquid that lubricates the joints.

Q: Which is better for joint pain, synthetic or bioidentical hormones?

Marla Ahlgrimm: While synthetic estrogens and progestin have been prescribed by doctors for decades, they may actually exacerbate the symptoms of unexplained joint pain. Bioidentical hormones—those a woman naturally produces—are a much better option. Minor or infrequent joint pain may be managed with exercise, diet changes and the occasional use of anti-inflammatory medication.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Estrogen May Lessen Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Q: What is Parkinson’s disease?

Marla Ahlgrimm:  Parkinson’s disease is the result of cell degeneration in the brain, which short-circuits control centers that direct movement.

Q: What are the symptoms? 
 
Marla Ahlgrimm:  Parkinson’s symptoms can include tremors or shaking, rigidity or stiffness, difficulty with balance and slowed movement.

Q: What causes the cell degeneration? 
 
Marla Ahlgrimm:  It is not known why cells deteriorate.

Q: Is Parkinson’s a common ailment? 
 
Marla Ahlgrimm:  It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s. Approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease.