Friday Q&A: menopause and joint stiffness; sciatica; strength training; & urinary frequency
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In this week’s reader-submitted Q&A, we’re tackling these questions:
Is joint stiffness a real menopause symptom?
Why does my sciatica keep coming back despite doing everything right?
How long before I notice changes from strength training?
Could my nighttime urination be more than just aging?
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The following subscriber questions have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
QUESTION #1: MENOPAUSE & JOINT STIFFNESS
My 50 year old daughter is struggling with menopause. Her latest symptom is a form of arthritis or stiffness in her hands. She does work out on the Peloton most days so it could be attributable to that. Is there such a symptom for menopause as arthritis?
-EV
EV,
Yes, your daughter's hand stiffness could absolutely be related to menopause. Joint pain and stiffness—particularly in the hands, wrists, and fingers—are incredibly common symptoms that often catch women (and their families) off guard. You're not imagining it, and neither is she!
Here's what's happening: estrogen is a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, many women experience increased inflammation throughout the body, including in their joints. The hands are particularly vulnerable because they have so many small joints and are constantly in use.
This menopausal joint pain isn't technically arthritis in the traditional sense—it's more accurately called "menopausal arthralgia." It can feel like morning stiffness, aching fingers, difficulty opening jars, or that general sense that your hands don't work quite the way they used to. Some women describe it as feeling like their joints are "creaky” or “rusty."
The Peloton workouts could contribute to hand discomfort if she's gripping the handlebars tightly or putting pressure on her wrists, but don't let that distract from the hormonal piece. If the stiffness is worse in the morning, affects multiple joints, or feels different from typical exercise soreness, menopause is likely playing a role.
To alleviate symptoms, anti-inflammatory approaches work well: omega-3 supplements, turmeric, gentle stretching, and sometimes short courses of ibuprofen during flare-ups. Hormone replacement therapy can significantly improve joint symptoms, among other things. She should also pay attention to patterns—does the stiffness correlate with her menstrual cycle, stress levels, or sleep quality? These connections can provide valuable clues.
Menopausal joint pain is real, common, and treatable. A conversation with her doctor about the full constellation of her menopausal symptoms—including joint pain—can open doors to treatments that help her feel more like herself again.
QUESTION #2: SCIATICA
I've had sciatica since I turned 40 years old. I've learned all the tricks from a physical therapist and have been many times. I currently go to a personal trainer twice a week to work on my core but it comes back occasionally! What can I do? It is back right now and killing me! Help!
-Theodora
Theodora,
I hear your frustration—sciatica can be absolutely miserable when it flares. The shooting pain, the unpredictability, the way it can derail your entire day. You've done everything "right"—physical therapy, core work, personal training—and yet here you are again. This isn't a failure on your part; it's the reality of how complex back pain can be.
First, let's talk about immediate relief. When sciatica strikes, you need a multi-pronged approach: ice or heat (whichever feels better), gentle movement rather than bed rest, and anti-inflammatory medication if you can tolerate it. Sometimes a short course of muscle relaxants or even a steroid pack can break the cycle during acute flares.
But here's what I want you to consider: sciatica that keeps returning despite excellent self-care often has roots beyond just the physical mechanics. Chronic pain like this frequently involves your nervous system becoming hypersensitive—essentially, your pain pathways get stuck in "alarm mode" even after the original injury heals.
This doesn't mean it's "in your head." It means your whole health ecosystem might need attention. Stress, sleep disruption, hormonal changes (especially around age 40), and even unprocessed emotions can all lower your pain threshold and make flare-ups more likely. Sometimes the physical work needs to be paired with nervous system calming—whether that's meditation, therapy, or addressing underlying anxiety or depression.
You might also benefit from seeing a pain management specialist who understands the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain. They can explore options like nerve blocks, discuss whether there's a structural issue that hasn't been addressed, or help you develop a more comprehensive pain management strategy. I’ll also stress the importance of addressing the pelvic floor whose muscles, when weak, can exacerbate low back pain and resulting neuropathy. A good pelvic floor physical therapist often can help address these muscles better than traditional PTs.
Chronic pain is complex, and sometimes it requires looking beyond just the physical mechanics to find lasting relief.
QUESTION #3: STRENGTH TRAINING
I recently started strength training after years of just walking. How long does it realistically take to notice changes in balance and bone strength?
- Rachel
Rachel,
Congratulations on adding strength training to your routine—this is one of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term health, especially as we age. Your question is so practical and refreshingly realistic.
Let’s talk realistic timelines. For balance, you'll likely notice improvements relatively quickly. Within 4-6 weeks of consistent strength training, many people report feeling more stable on their feet, more confident navigating stairs, and less wobbly when reaching for things. This happens because strength training activates your proprioceptors, the sensors that tell your brain where your body is in space, and strengthens the small stabilizing muscles around your joints.
Bone strength is a different story and requires more patience. Bone is living tissue that's constantly remodeling itself, but it's a slow process. Most research suggests it takes about 6-12 months of consistent weight-bearing exercise to see measurable changes in bone density on a DEXA scan. The good news? Your bones are getting stronger even before you can measure it—you're stimulating osteoblasts (bone-building cells) every time you lift.
Here's what I tell patients—focus on the things you can feel rather than what you can measure. Here are some signs you're making progress:
Better posture and feeling taller throughout the day
Carrying groceries or lifting everyday objects feels easier
More confidence navigating uneven surfaces or stairs
Less fatigue during daily activities
Improved sleep quality (strength training is great for this)
The key is consistency—aim for strength training 2-3 times per week, progressively challenging your muscles. Don't underestimate the power of what you're doing. Every session is an investment in your future mobility and independence.
And keep walking too. It's fantastic for cardiovascular health and complements your strength work beautifully. You're building a foundation that will serve you for decades to come!
QUESTION #4: INCREASED URINARY FREQUENCY
I’ve been getting up at night to pee more often. My doctor mentioned prostate issues, but everything checked out normal. Could this just be aging—or is there more I should be doing?
- Eric
Eric,
Getting up multiple times at night to urinate—what we call nocturia—is incredibly common and frustrating. You're smart to have your prostate checked, and it's reassuring that everything looked normal. But you're right to wonder if there's more to explore.
While aging does play a role (our kidneys produce more urine at night as we get older, and our bladder capacity can decrease), there are often other factors at play that are worth investigating. Think of nighttime urination as your body's way of telling you something—and it's not always just about your prostate or bladder.
Here are some overlooked culprits that might be disrupting your sleep:
Sleep apnea: This is huge. When you stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, your body releases hormones that make you produce more urine. Many men don't realize their nighttime bathroom trips are actually a sleep disorder symptom.
Medications: Diuretics are obvious, but others like blood pressure meds, antidepressants, or even over-the-counter antihistamines can affect urination patterns.
Evening fluid intake: Not just how much you drink, but what and when. Alcohol and caffeine are bladder irritants, and timing matters more than total volume.
Blood sugar issues: Diabetes or prediabetes can cause increased urination, especially at night.
Heart conditions: If your heart isn't pumping efficiently, fluid can pool in your legs during the day and redistribute when you lie down, leading to more nighttime urination.
I'd suggest keeping a simple diary for a week—track your fluid intake, timing, medications, and how many times you get up. This data can help your doctor identify patterns you might not have noticed.
Most causes of nocturia are treatable once identified. You're not destined to accept fragmented sleep as inevitable. By approaching this systematically and advocating for a thorough evaluation, hopefully you can reclaim agency over your sleep and sense of wellbeing.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They are not a substitute for advice from your personal physician.
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