Have you ever woken up with a painful shoulder and thought, What did I do?
Maybe you didn’t do anything. In a recent episode of The Dr. Vonda Show, orthopedic sports surgeon and women’s health expert Dr. Vonda Wright discusses adhesive capsulitis—better known as frozen shoulder—and its connection to perimenopause and declining estrogen. She’s also an author, and one of my favorite female physician advocates leading the way for policy change, research and funding for women’s health! This caught my attention because it’s another example of a symptom women may experience during the menopause transition without realizing hormones could be part of the bigger picture. Dr. Wright reports that three out of four people who develop frozen shoulder are women in perimenopause. She explains that as estrogen declines, changes in inflammation and connective tissue may contribute to the shoulder capsule becoming inflamed, thickened and eventually fibrotic—making movement increasingly painful and restricted. One classic clue? Suddenly struggling to reach behind your back to hook your bra, reach overhead or perform movements that were previously easy. And waiting for it to simply disappear may mean living with pain and limited mobility much longer than necessary.
Dr. Vonda’s 5 Steps for Frozen Shoulder
1. Get the right diagnosis early. Don’t assume unexplained shoulder pain is simply aging or something you have to tolerate. Frozen shoulder is primarily a clinical diagnosis, and Dr. Wright notes that imaging can sometimes look normal even when significant symptoms are present.
2. Keep it moving. Complete rest isn’t the answer. Dr. Wright recommends gentle, consistent range-of-motion work such as pendulum swings, wall walks and doorway stretches. A physical therapist can help determine what’s appropriate for your individual shoulder.
3. Discuss short-term pain and inflammation management. For some women, a properly placed corticosteroid injection may provide temporary relief and help restore movement. Dr. Wright describes this as a rescue intervention—not the long-term solution.
4. Have the hormone conversation. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms are worth discussing with a menopause-informed healthcare provider. Hormone therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone, nor is it simply a treatment for every painful shoulder, but your hormonal transition deserves to be part of the conversation.
5. Look beyond the shoulder. Frozen shoulder may be one piece of what Dr. Wright calls the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. New joint pain, plantar fasciitis, tendon problems, loss of muscle or other seemingly unrelated symptoms may deserve a broader look rather than being dismissed individually. For me insights from Dr. Vonda, take a listen to her “Unbreakable” podcast episode here.
Where Health Coaching Fits
This is exactly why I believe women need a continuum of care during perimenopause and menopause. Your physician or physical therapist diagnoses and treats the medical condition. As a women’s health coach, I can help you work on the lifestyle pieces that support recovery and long-term musculoskeletal health – appropriate movement and strength training, adequate protein and nutrition, sleep, stress management, recovery, and preparing questions for your healthcare providers. Most importantly, I can help you connect the dots and advocate for yourself. If your body suddenly feels different in midlife, don’t automatically accept “you’re just getting older.” Ask questions. Track your symptoms. Seek the right expertise. And make sure the hormonal changes happening in your body are part of the conversation. You don’t have to simply wait it out. Remember, you are worth it and deserve better!
Inspired by Dr. Vonda Wright’s October 1, 2026 episode of The Dr. Vonda Show, “Frozen Shoulder in Menopause: 5 Steps to Treat It & Recover Faster.” This information is educational and is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition. New or persistent shoulder pain should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional.