Menopause trigger a drop in estrogen, which significantly impacts tendon health. Most specifically the patellar tendon in your knees. The most critical for knee mobility.
It acts as the final anchor for your quadriceps muscles, allowing you to straighten your leg a fundamental movement required for walking, running, and climbing stairs.
How Menopause Affects the Patellar Tendon:
- Declining estrogen makes the tissue weaker and reduces its tensile strength.
- Increases stiffness and Tendons lose their natural elasticity, causing them to endure more stress during everyday movements.
- Tendon injuries and micro-tears require longer recovery periods because the cells responsible for repair are less effective in an estrogen-deficient environment.