One recent study in mice uncovered that menopause led to a drop in 17beta-estradiol and progesterone, which increased cartilage aging, degeneration, and disassembly of the extracellular matrix.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that can affect joint mobility and cause joint pain. Experts are interested in understanding the relationship between experiencing menopause and the risk for osteoarthritis.
A study recently published in Nature AgingTrusted Source
used mouse models and human cells to explore this relationship.
Researchers found that loss of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone in mice with chemically induced menopause affected cartilage degeneration.
Similarly, treatment with 17beta-estradiol and progesterone protected against cartilage degeneration in mice and appeared to improve human cartilage cells, too.
