25
May
2023
|
12:33 PM
America/New_York

Menopause or arthritis?

The Arthritis Connection reports on going through menopause with rheumatoid arthritis in an interview with Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, rheumatologist at HSS. 

Menopause and arthritis can cause similar symptoms including fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, bone loss, and sleep problems. It's not always easy to figure out the cause of these symptoms, but all can be helped by certain lifestyle changes.   

Aerobic exercise and strength training are keys to relieving arthritis pain, improving mobility, managing weight, easing depression and anxiety, and preventing bone loss which accelerates with menopause. 

“Both rheumatoid arthritis and menopause are associated with higher risk of bone loss,” said Dr. Lieber. It may be helpful to speak with your medical team to ensure that you are up-to-date on bone density screening and to review strategies for integrating physical activity into your lifestyle."

The article appeared in the May 2023 issue of the magazine.