Newly approved drug Abaloparatide could help ease winter pains for menopausal women

GP's top tips for helping to alleviate pains with diet and exercise

A new drug could be the answer to the menopausal women’s prayers as it aims to increase bone density and relieve joint pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently announced the approval of a new drug Abaloparatide.

With more than half of all menopausal women suffering stiffness, aches and pains which worsen in cold weather, it could make a huge difference to their lives. Dr Thom Phillips, Clinical Lead at Forth explained why joint pain occurs and how it can be managed.

Forth is a female-led company advocating for women’s health and aiming to help close the gender health gap by providing women with deeper scientific insights into their own bodies. It offers a broad range of tests for hormone health and general well-being.

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Dr Phillips said: “Joint pain (also known as arthralgia) is often caused by a change in hormone levels. Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone all work as anti-inflammatory agents in your muscles and can also help to lubricate your joints.

"So as your body transitions toward menopause, these hormones drop making stiffness and joint pain more common. As oestrogen continues to decrease, joints can become more inflamed and painful, resulting in an increased risk of your bones thinning (osteoporosis) or your joints becoming inflamed (osteoarthritis).”

According to the NHS, around three million people in the UK have osteoporosis, with the condition being four times more common in women than men. Dr Phillips continued: “Menopausal joint pain can vary from person to person and can affect different joints including hands, feet, knees, shoulder, spine and hips."

Some signs of hormone-related joint pain and associated discomforts include:

• Joint pain and stiffness that’s worse in the morning and improves with activity
• Pain that ranges in severity from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain, or burning sensation
• Back pain
• Knee pain
• Decreased range of motion

But low impact exercise can help. Dr Phillips explained: “When joints ache, you’re more likely to avoid movement. But in most cases, being active can actually help you feel better.

“Regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, or weightlifting, help stimulate bone growth and maintain bone density. When we don’t engage in these activities, our bones may become weaker and more prone to fractures.”

He said that in order to keep your joints and bones healthy, you need to ensure you are getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. He stated: “This can help relieve other menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes and low mood. Good food sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods."

Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight exposure and certain foods like fatty fish and eggs". As temperatures drop, cold weather can tighten muscles and stiffen joints, so it’s important to keep the body warm.

Layering up, using heating pads, or taking warm baths can help soothe achy joints. Additionally, staying active indoors during colder months can prevent the stiffness from worsening.

Hormone replacement treatment may also help reduce joint pain during perimenopause and menopause. Dr Phillips, who is an NHS GP, continued: “Many women report an increase in pain around the perimenopause and menopause, and for some it can have a huge impact on their everyday life, making day-to-day tasks more difficult.

“It’s important to speak to a GP if you are experiencing joint pain to rule out underlying illnesses and help ease the symptoms.”

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