PhysioUpdate 7th June 2022

Joint pain affects four menopausal women in 10 and is the most common contributary factor in the impairment of their quality of life (Whiteley et al. 2013).

Clinical studies show that women of a menopausal age reported a 50 per cent improvement in their mobility and reduction in pain following three months of the daily consumption of the galactolipid, GOPO® (Winther and Kharazmi 2002), found in the rose hip and ginger supplement: GOPO® Joint Health Plus Ginger.

Compared with men, women are significantly more at risk of developing osteoarthritis, a condition that has a number of contributary factors (Srikanth et al. 2005). In addition to the unique functions and increased flexibility of women’s joints, hormones, specifically oestrogen and testosterone which fluctuate during the menopause, are thought to accelerate the development of arthritis and impair muscle recovery after physical activity (Srikanth et al. 2005).

Once oestrogen levels begin to drop, the production of collagen slows down. Collagen is essential for the growth and repair or cartilage tissue, and low levels can lead to painful and inflamed joints. For more information, visit: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190719/Low-estrogen-causes-muscle-loss-in-women-after-menopause.aspx (accessed 20 May 2022)

The consultant gynaecologist’s view

Anne Henderson, a consultant gynaecologist and accredited menopause expert, said: ‘Women often overlook aching or painful joints as a natural sign of ageing, but it’s important to understand the impact hormonal changes can have when approaching the menopause. Oestrogen is a primary female hormone that contributes to the protection and elasticity of joint tissues and cartilage, when these hormone levels begin to decline it can lead to painful joints and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Dr Henderson added: ‘It is important to consider a full spectrum of treatment options including lifestyle changes, diet and exercise, but also supplements that are backed by scientific evidence confirming their significant benefits.’

With no cure for arthritis, and menopausal symptoms varying from person to person, the preventive actions taken in a woman’s younger years may delay the onset and severity of musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis for women of a menopausal age.

The consultant rheumatologist’s view

The symptoms of the menopause usually start to appear from 45 to 55 years of age (Srikanth VK et al. 2005).  But, according to consultant rheumatologist Rod Hughes: ‘Menopausal joint pain can start several years before other menopausal symptoms. This is due to oestrogen levels starting to decline several years before the menopause, causing a reduction in collagen, loss of cartilage and an increase in inflammation leading to joint pain and stiffness.’

However, there are alternative natural treatments available to help patients to manage joint symptoms safely and effectively. Experts believe that a key ingredient derived from rose-hips could help to reduce pain and tenderness in joints, without the risk of side effects. It contains cartilage restoring properties which reduce aches and pains that many women experience during the menopause and beyond.

Dr Hughes added: ‘Rose hip extracts have a long history of medicinal use and their potential benefits in the treatment of joint pain conditions have relatively recently come to light.

‘The most consistent and robust research has been undertaken on extracts from a specific species of rose-hip called rosa canina, which has been found to contain a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient called GOPO®.

‘GOPO® has been shown to help protect and repair joints and should certainly be considered at the early onset of even mild joint pain. Not only do people report great benefit from these supplements but good quality clinical research also shows GOPO® is an effective choice.’

About GOPO® Joint Health Plus Ginger

GOPO® Joint Health Plus Ginger is the first UK supplement that combines the active rose hip compound – a galactolipid known as GOPO®. This compound is proven to reduce joint pain, stiffness and improve joint mobility.

It contains extracts of the plant-based nutraceutical, ginger, also known for its multiple active components that make it a powerful pain relief for musculoskeletal conditions.

References

Whiteley J et al (2013) The Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Quality of Life, Productivity, and Economic Outcomes Nov; 22(11): 983–990. Journal of Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2012.3719

Winther K and Kharazmi  A (2002) A herbal remedy reduces joint pain, stiffness and the consumption of paracetamol in middle-aged women. 10^th WORLD CONGRESS ON THE MENOPAUSE BERLIN 2002. http://www.medref.se/litozin/world_10_2002.pdf

Srikanth VK et al. (2005) A meta-analysis of sex differences prevalence, incidence and severity of osteoarthritis. 13(9):769–812. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(05)00112-3/pdf