Reaching for something on a shelf. Putting on a jacket. Reaching behind your back. These are movements we rarely think about until a painful, stiff shoulder makes them difficult.
Women often mention frozen shoulder when they come to the clinic for help with hormones. They may recognize hot flashes or changes in their menstrual cycle as part of the menopause transition, but few have considered that their shoulder symptoms could belong in that conversation, too.
That is what caught my attention about this research. It raises a question worth exploring: could declining estrogen contribute to frozen shoulder in some women?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement. It occurs more often in women and most commonly between ages 40 and 60. This overlap with the menopause transition is one reason researchers are looking at a possible hormonal connection, although the timing alone does not establish a cause.
What the research tells us
A pilot study published in 2026 looked at medical records from nearly 2,000 postmenopausal women to investigate whether those using hormone therapy were less likely to have frozen shoulder. Researchers found fewer diagnoses among hormone therapy users, but the difference was not statistically significant. This finding gives us a reason to stay curious. The study does not establish that hormone therapy prevents frozen shoulder, nor did the he study test whether hormones can effectively treat an existing case of frozen shoulder or speed recovery from it.
Researchers at UCSF are now studying whether adding hormone therapy to standard frozen shoulder care improves symptoms and movement in peri- and postmenopausal women. Whether hormones can help the healing process is an important question. The answer remains unclear.
What to bring into the conversation
Hormones are neither the sole cause nor treatment of frozen shoulder. Many women improve with physical therapy, an established part of frozen shoulder care. Massage is another treatment approach to consider with your practitioner.
If you have persistent shoulder pain or are gradually losing movement, a physical exam can help identify the cause. Not every painful shoulder is frozen shoulder, and not every case of frozen shoulder is explained by menopause. Diabetes and thyroid conditions may also contribute factors.
If you are navigating perimenopause or menopause, be sure to mention this to your practitioner. I encourage you to ask your practitioner,s: “Are you comfortable prescribing hormone therapy and helping me understand whether it is appropriate for me?” If the answer is no, ask, “Who do you recommend who has experience in this area? The purpose of mentioning being perimenopausal or menopausal is to be sure you are working with someone who can address any hormonal component contributing to your symptoms. There is still a lot to learn in regard to hormones and shoulders.
Further reading
Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. An accessible overview of frozen shoulder, associated conditions, and treatment options.
The Pilot Study on Hormone Therapy and Frozen Shoulder
Read the study abstract and plain-language summary, including why the findings are preliminary and larger studies are needed.
UCSF: Studying Hormone Therapy Alongside Standard Shoulder Care
Learn how researchers are testing hormone therapy as an addition to standard treatment. This is a study description, not evidence of a proven benefit.
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As with all of my articles, blogs, social media posts, etc, this article is educational and not a substitute for medical care. Please check with your clinician before changing your routine.