Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Eased With Estrogen
Estrogen replacement therapy may lessen symptoms carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia in menopausal women.
Of 42 menopausal women in a study seven had CTS and fibromyalgia, Gerard Hall, M.D., of St. Bartholomew’s hospital in London, reported in the British Medical Journal.
Women with both conditions improved significantly with on the of estrogen replacement therapy, according to Hall.
Low estrogen levels were found in fibromyalgia patients persistent symptoms. Estrogen withdrawal lessens rapid eye movements during sleep and heightens depression, both hich are associated with fibromyalgia he said. Thus estrogen replacement therapy “seems a logical option.”
Changes in forearm fat content that occur at menopause may be the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in menopausal women, Dr. Hall said.
Linda Morse. M.D., chief of occupational medicine at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, in Santa Clara, Calif., said fluid retention may be involved.
Seven times as many women as men have the syndrome, which can be triggered by pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives and gynecological surgery, Dr. Morse said.