Gluteal Tendinopathy - The Cause of Hip Pain in Menopausal Women

If you have hip discomfort during perimenopause or beyond menopause, there may be a relationship. Reduced estrogen levels might raise your chance of getting gluteal tendinopathy. They may also contribute to osteoarthritis, which can damage several joints, including the hips. Menopausal hip discomfort and gluteal tendinopathy

The primary cause of menopausal hip pain is gluteal tendinopathy. This, like many other perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, is more frequent at this period due to hormonal changes. Gluteal tendinopathy is caused by tension on the tendons that connect your gluteal muscles (buttocks) to a point on the top of your femur (upper leg bone).

Gluteal tendinopathy can be caused by misuse of your tendons, such as excessive activity without adequate recovery time or the progressive strain of gaining weight. However, it might also be due to underuse, which causes the tendons to degenerate and weaken.

Gluteal tendinopathy can also be induced or exacerbated by falling directly on your hip or by body postures that compress the tendons, such as standing with more weight on one leg or sitting with your legs crossed.

Your hip tendons are constantly strained and mended. If they wear down faster than they can be mended, they will begin to weaken and cause discomfort.

Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy-Induced Hip Pain
The primary symptom of gluteal tendinopathy is discomfort on the exterior of the hip or upper leg. However, it can spread to other places such as the thigh, groin, lower back, and buttocks.

Pain may also flare up in specific settings and positions, such as:

• Lying on the affected side;
• Walking uphill or up stairs;
• Standing on one leg after a lengthy period of rest; 
• Stiffness for the first few steps after standing up;
• Squatting exercises;
• Impact activity (e.g., jogging and leaping) can all cause discomfort.

Why Is Gluteal Tendinopathy More Likely With Menopause?
As you reach perimenopause (the transitional years before menopause), your levels of reproductive hormones such as estrogen fluctuate before steadily decreasing as you approach menopause.

Estrogen aids in the creation of collagen, which is the primary component of your tendons, including those in your hips. Less estrogen makes it more difficult for your body to rebuild collagen in your tendons and heal the wear and strain. Menopause can exacerbate the strain on your tendons, which may already be stressed.

How to Treat Hip Pain from Gluteal Tendinopathy
If you're diagnosed with gluteal tendinopathy, you could be directed to a physiotherapist. They will advise you on how to manage and improve the condition, including which exercises to do.

They may suggest some of the following dos and don'ts:

• Exercises for strengthening your hip

A properly planned regimen of mild exercise will strengthen the muscles around your hip while gradually increasing the stress on your tendons. Exercising might take 6-12 months to alleviate the symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy;

• Stay active, but listen to your pain

Gluteal tendinopathy cannot be cured with complete rest, thus you should remain active. However, excessive activity will exacerbate the problem. Mild discomfort that eases after exercise is OK but moderate to severe pain on a frequent basis may indicate that you're pushing yourself too hard. Short, level walks might be an effective approach;

• Massage, but only in the appropriate areas

Rubbing your buttocks may help reduce your hip discomfort; however, avoid rubbing the sore spot on your hip itself, as this will put extra strain on the tendons and may exacerbate the problem;

• Avoid excessive stretching

Although it may feel like you need to stretch out a hurting hip, this is another technique to compress the tendons, which can create more pain if done frequently;

• Eat a nutritious diet

Carrying too much body weight might exacerbate your symptoms by placing additional strain on the tendons that attach to your hip. The appropriate diet can help you lose weight in a sustained fashion while also improving the health of your tendons. Speak with your doctor about the healthiest diet for you;

• Try collagen supplements

Collagen-derived peptide supplements, such as gelatine and hydrolyzed collagen, have been shown in studies to aid with tendinopathy. Your tendons are largely formed of type I collagen, whereas your joints' cartilage is made of type II collagen;

• Limit certain postures and motions.

In addition to avoiding activities that are too uncomfortable, you should be mindful of certain body positions and movements that may exacerbate your symptoms.