11/01/2025
Our latest news
1. The first Fibromyalgia resource group will be this coming Wednesday November 5th at 6pm at the office 7820 Wakeley Plaza. If you have Fibromyalgia or know someone who does this will be a great way to get information on how to live your best life and also help others like you. Remeber to sign up with Shanna @ slmathia@gmail.com or let me know if you plan to come.
2. As always I would love your reviews on google. It only takes a second and really helps me out. Here is the link g.page/r/CakUXCVCB-JxEAI/review
3. Sign up with Amy for meditation and mindfulness training and Quantum Human Design™ Taking care of your mind along with your body is extremely important! Book on the link below at Believe, Breathe, Be.
4. As I continue to be very busy... if you want to get in and can't find a spot you can get on my waitlist on square booking or shoot me a text or call. The square booking is automated and will likely let you know of an opening sooner than I can.
What Happens to Fascia When Hormones Decrease?
It seems that recently I have had many clients in peri menopause or menopause who have been suffering from increased pain and wondering if it is hormone related.
Hormone changes both in menopause and around the menstrual cycle can definitely affect the fascia. Estrogen, relaxin, and cortisol all directly affect the fascia’s composition, elasticity, and pain signaling.
Estrogen- There are estrogen receptors in fibroblasts which affect the production of collagen. Increased levels of estrogen cause increased type III collagen and decreased levels of estrogen cause the production of type I collagen. Type III collagen is more elastic and extensible and type I is stiff and rigid almost like scar tissue. The decrease in estrogen that occurs with menopause leads to type I collagen which in turn causes increased pain and possible risk for injury in certain areas. Some conditions include frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, thumb pain, hip pain, and pelvic pain. Women who do still have a cycle or are pregnant will often have periods of increased estrogen which can increase injuries related to the laxity of the tissues like ligament tears and ACL injuries.
Relaxin- Helps to limit inflammation and fibrosis. Relaxin promotes extracellular matrix remodeling by decreasing collagen synthesis, breaking down certain collagen types and inhibiting inflammation. As this hormone decreases in menopause it adds to inflammation and increases collagen production which in turn leads to pain.
Cortisol- Along with dealing with body changes many middle aged women also have other stressors including dealing with children, aging, parents, work, and financial struggles all of which contribute to increased stress. Increased stress leads to more cortisol production. Not only do women have increased cortisol due to stress, cortisol also increases during menopause because when the estrogen and progesterone decline your body it is not able to regulate the cortisol. This is due in part to the fact that cortisol shares the same receptors. When progesterone decreases there are more receptors open for cortisol so it increases significantly. In addition estrogen keeps down production of cortisol which also adds to this increase. Cortisol increases inflammation in the fascia causing increased rigidity and pain. Increased cortisol can mean weight gain, poor sleep, brain fog, pain and fatigue.
Androgens- A decrease in testosterone also often occurs with menopause. This too can limit collagen as testosterone works to decrease the amount of collagen degradation. (This is why older men also have increased stiffness and pain)
So what can I do about it?
1.Consider hormone replacement therapy or take a DEHA supplement (s*x hormone precursor). It should be personalized and closely monitored by a medical professional.
2.Treat yourself regularly with self myofascial release, heat, stretching, and relaxation. All of these improve circulation and help to keep the tissues lubricated which will decrease pain as well as risk for injury.
3. Maintain a healthy diet. Especially decreasing sugar intake. The decrease in estrogen and increase in cortisol already increase inflammation and sugar just adds to that inflammation. Decreased estrogen and progesterone make the cells less sensitive to insulin. This makes it difficult for the body to regulate sugar intake.
Eat these 15 foods that assist in hormone production: Avocados, flaxseeds, chia seeds,leafy greens, broccoli, quina, berries, nuts, lentils, yogurt, salmon, eggs, seaweed, pomegranate, dark chocolate
4.Get regular MFR treatment. How Myofascial Release Helps!
Rehydration and Improved Glide: The sustained pressure and movement applied during MFR stimulate fasciacytes to produce more hyaluronan, which increases the fluid content and lubricates the fascial layers. This restores the smooth "gliding" motion essential for pain-free movement.
Collagen Remodeling: MFR stimulates fibroblasts to realign collagen fibers and can encourage a shift towards a more pliable tissue structure, helping to restore elasticity.
Breaking Adhesions: The shearing effect of MFR pressure helps to physically break apart adhesions or "knots" where the fascia has become bound down or thickened.
Enhanced Circulation: MFR improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage to the affected areas, which supports tissue healing and reduces inflammation.
Neuromuscular Regulation: The gentle pressure and stretching stimulate mechanoreceptors (sensory nerve endings) within the fascia, which can calm the nervous system (shifting from "fight-or-flight" to "rest-and-digest") and reduce muscle guarding and pain perception.
By addressing both the physical and neurological aspects of fascial stiffness, myofascial release helps the body adjust to hormonal changes, leading to improved mobility, reduced chronic pain, and greater comfort during menopause.
Click here for an update from Natural Pain Therapy & Myofascial Release LLC!