Do hormones affect hypermobility?

Feb 26, 2025

1 min read

We've known the menstrual cycle messes with symptomatic hypermobility for decades. We first thought PMT was causing people to feel worse about symptoms in the luteal phase (seems legit, right?). Still, as understanding grew it became clear that things are demonstrably more floppy that week, hence the increased risk, injuries, and difficulty coping with pain.

Why does it matter? Because once you know, you can take at least the predictable fluctuations into account while planning a pacing strategy. Research into how puberty and age-related hormonal changes impact people in general, and those with hypermobility is ongoing.

For more info search hormones - you'll find articles and videos following progress in these areas as we discover more. :)

#HypermobilityAwarenessWeek

Hypermobility can be affected by hormones, especially progestrogen and oestrogen. Here's some simple infographics on the topic.

hypermobility and hormones Infographic 1/4: During the menstrual cycle, coordination and joint and muscle laxity can be affected by fluctuations in oestrogen and progestrogen - especially during the few days before and after the start of a period.

Hypermobility and hormones Infographic 2/4: This is true for everyone - even elite athletes can expect reduced performance, are more easily injured, and may need to adapt their training during this part of their menstrual cycle.

hypermobility and hormones Infographic 3/4: Everyone is affected differently, but given that hypermobility makes us more prone to injuries, and means we need to work harder to control our flexible joints - it’s not surprising that symptoms of hypermobility can also worsen at this point in the cycle.

Hormones and hypermobility infographic 4/4: Here are some things that can help manage the effect of hormonal fluctuations in hypermobile people:
- Track your cycle, so you know when to expect increased symptoms.
During that time:
- Pacing (energy management) and creating a reduced schedule.
- Consider joint supports when doing things likely to cause injury.
- Where the fluctuations have a significant impact, consider the use of hormonal contraceptives to stabilise the hormone levels.

You will find more information on this on our 'Hormones and hypermobility' page

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2 Comments

Robert MDavis

Aug 13, 2025

I never knew hormones could play such a big role in hypermobility, and it reminds me of how small factors can change performance in games like ! Great read!

Edited

Helen Roberts

May 08, 2025

Does anyone know how HRT affects joint mobility?