Have you ever noticed your body just doesn’t feel the same as it used to? Or that your hips feel a little stiffer or weaker, but you just brushed it off as ‘getting older’? Maybe you’re experiencing hip pain at nighttime or while you’re exercising. You aren’t alone… there is a reason for this!
Understanding perimenopause and your body
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, typically occurring in your 40s or 50s. During this time, oestrogen levels begin to decline and this can have a significant impact on your body.
Oestrogen isn’t just about reproductive health. It plays a key role in maintaining:
- Joint flexibility
- Bone density
- Muscle strength
As levels drop, it’s common to notice changes, particularly around the hips. A very common cause of hip pain during perimenopause and menopause is gluteal tendinopathy, a condition affecting the tendons that connect your glute muscles to your hip.
Hip pain symptoms you might notice:
- Pain on the outside of your hip or thigh
- Pain when lying on your side
- Discomfort going up stairs or hills
- Stiffness when getting up after rest
It’s not “just ageing”– how to get rid of menopausal hip pain
Strength training is one of the most effective ways to counteract the effects of declining oestrogen. With the right program, you can:
- Build muscle mass and strength
- Improve bone density
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Enhance stability and balance
No matter your starting point, it’s never too late to build strength and feel more like yourself again. At Bodyfit Physio, we take a personalised and evidence-based approach to your care. We use dynamometers to accurately measure your hip strength, which allows us to:
- Compare your strength to age-based norms
- Track your progress over time
- Create a targeted and effective exercise plan
Your exercise plan will be tailored to your specific strength needs. Our hip program builds strength in all three dimensions and multiple planes of movements. Your program will be practical, achievable and just right for your hips. We look forward to helping you stay strong, athletic, and enjoying the activities you love – or even discovering new ways to move.