What is frozen shoulder? The weird menopause symptom everyone’s talking about
By Tracy Swartz
Published Feb. 19, 2026, 6:00 a.m. ET
Menopause symptoms can be a lot to shoulder — hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and weight gain are just a few.
There’s also a lesser-known side effect of menopause. Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, causing significant pain and difficulties moving the arm or even sleeping on it.
In menopausal women, declining estrogen accelerates joint pain and stiffness.
“Estrogen receptors are present in connective tissue of the shoulder, which maintains the integrity and elasticity,” Dr. Iman Saleh, an OB/GYN and director of obesity medicine at South Shore University Hospital, told The Post.
“The changes [in] the estrogen can affect the quality and function of the connective tissue, which increases stiffness and reduces flexibility.”
Saleh shares the three stages of frozen shoulder — and several treatment options for women going through menopause.
Who is at risk for frozen shoulder?
Women, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 60, are at a higher risk than men.
Another major risk factor is prolonged shoulder immobility due to injury, surgery or stroke. People with systemic diseases like thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes also face elevated odds.
“Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of getting frozen shoulder,” Saleh explained. “The high blood sugars can damage the collagen in the shoulder, causing inflammation.”
more
https://nypost.com/2026/02/19/health/what-is-frozen-shoulder-inside-the-weird-menopause-symptom/
