When you think of frozen shoulder, you might imagine a physical injury or an overuse problem. But did you know that hormones often play a major role in this frustrating condition?

Frozen shoulder — medically known as adhesive capsulitis — happens when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. This leads to stiffness, pain, and major restrictions in movement.

And in many cases, it’s not just “wear and tear” causing it — it’s what’s happening inside your body.

Let’s break it down.

How Hormones Impact Frozen Shoulder

Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate everything from your energy levels to how your tissues heal and recover. Several key hormones directly affect the health of your connective tissues:

• Estrogen helps keep tissues elastic and resilient. When estrogen levels fall — like during perimenopause and menopause — tissues can become weaker, less flexible, and more prone to inflammation and fibrosis (scar tissue buildup).

• Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism and tissue repair. Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism) slow down healing and can lead to increased joint stiffness and pain.

• Cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone, when chronically elevated, can weaken collagen, the protein that makes up tendons and ligaments. Over time, this can contribute to tissue breakdown and scarring.

• Insulin plays a role too. People with diabetes or insulin resistance have higher rates of frozen shoulder. Excess blood sugar can cause a process called glycation, where sugar molecules damage collagen and stiffen connective tissues.

Common Hormonal Conditions Linked to Frozen Shoulder

Research shows that people with the following conditions have a significantly higher risk of developing frozen shoulder:

• Diabetes or prediabetes

• Thyroid disease (both low and high thyroid function)

• Menopause or perimenopause

• Chronic high cortisol levels (from prolonged stress or Cushing’s syndrome)

It’s no coincidence that frozen shoulder most often strikes between ages 40–60, a period when many people experience major hormonal shifts.

 Why This Matters

If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder, it’s important to realize that it might not be just a physical problem.

There may be a hormonal or metabolic imbalance happening under the surface — one that needs to be addressed for true healing.

Ignoring the hormonal component can delay recovery and increase the chances of frozen shoulder coming back.

How We Help at In8 Wellness Center

At In8 Wellness Center, we believe what you can measure, you can manage — and what you can manage, you can improve. That’s why we offer comprehensive functional blood chemistry panels right here in the office, partnering with Boston Heart Labs for advanced testing.

Every week, we offer blood draws and blood chemistry consultations for our existing patients. This gives us real, factual data about your health, allowing us to create a truly evidence-based approach to your nutrition, supplementation, and recovery plan. Waiting until you’re symptomatic is reactive and dangerous.

Getting the right lab work done before problems escalate is how we help you stay ahead — and optimize your healing process.

If you’re battling frozen shoulder — or you simply want to understand the deeper story behind your health — functional blood chemistry is one of the most important steps you can take.Please call or message our office if you have questions about blood work or non-patient blood services. We’re here to help you move better, feel better, and take control of your health from the inside out.