Loading…
Frozen shoulder mainly affects people aged 40 to 60, most often women. Learn the stages, the possible menopause link, what helps and how long it lasts.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes shoulder pain and gradually worsening stiffness. It typically affects people aged 40 to 60, and is more common in women and in people with diabetes. A link with falling estrogen is being studied, but evidence is limited. It usually improves over one to three years, helped by physiotherapy.
How strong is the evidence? Limited for a menopause link. The age and sex pattern, and the benefit of physiotherapy, are well established.
It usually develops in three overlapping stages:
| Stage | What happens | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing (painful) | Pain, often worse at night, with increasing stiffness | Weeks to months |
| Frozen (stiff) | Pain may ease, but stiffness peaks; hard to reach behind your back or overhead | Months |
| Thawing (recovery) | Movement gradually returns | Months to years |
Common signs include difficulty putting your hand behind your back, fastening clothes, reaching up, or sleeping on the affected side.
Frozen shoulder peaks in the same age range as menopause, and is more common in women, which has led researchers to look at estrogen. The Menopause Society highlighted the first study of this in 2022:
Researchers note that estrogen supports connective tissue and reduces inflammation, but more research is needed. HRT isn’t a recognized treatment for frozen shoulder.
If you develop frozen shoulder, it’s worth checking for diabetes. See recommended health checks.
See joint pain and muscle aches.
Frozen shoulder is usually diagnosed by examination: both active and passive movement are restricted, especially rotating the arm outward. X-rays or scans may be used to rule out other causes. Blood tests may check for diabetes and thyroid problems.
Always check with a physiotherapist before starting, and stay within a comfortable range:
Little and often, several times a day, usually works better than occasional long sessions.
Book an appointment if shoulder pain or stiffness lasts more than a few weeks or limits daily activities.
Seek emergency care if you have:
- Sudden shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or nausea
See a clinician promptly if you have:
- A hot, red, swollen shoulder, or fever
- Shoulder pain after a fall or injury, or you can’t lift your arm
- Stiffness in both shoulders and hips, with morning stiffness, especially over 50
- Arm weakness, numbness or tingling
Joint pain · Muscle aches · Sleep problems
It peaks in women aged 40 to 60, and researchers are investigating a link with estrogen, but the evidence is still limited.
One study found fewer cases in HRT users, but the difference wasn’t statistically significant. HRT isn’t a recognized treatment.
Often two to three years, although up to 40% of people have symptoms for longer.
Gentle, regular movement is usually better than complete rest. A physiotherapist can advise.
It can. NHS information notes that about 10% of people later develop symptoms in the other shoulder.
Editorial status: evidence-based educational article; not individually medically reviewed. Last evidence check: September 10, 2026.
9 printable pages including a symptom checklist, a 30-day symptom tracker, an appointment checklist and questions to ask — delivered to your inbox.