Key Highlights

Estrogen, Relaxin & the Jaw Joint

• Estrogen protects the jaw joint by maintaining cartilage and bone integrity.
• Relaxin loosens ligaments and soft tissue — essential during childbirth but can also make the jaw more “loosey-goosey.”
• Low estrogen (as in menopause) = joint degeneration.
• High relaxin + estrogen (as in pregnancy) = extra tissue breakdown → higher risk for TMJ discomfort.

“In pregnancy, relaxin says, ‘Hey estrogen, come join me!’ and together they start to remodel or sometimes degrade the joint.”

Why TMJ Pain Worsens During Your Period

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle alter pain sensitivity.

• Rising relaxin in the late-luteal phase (right before your period) can heighten pain perception.
• Women may feel more jaw tension or find dental anesthesia less effective during menstruation.

Perimenopause & Menopause: The Hormonal Perfect Storm

• Estrogen decline leads to thinning cartilage, weaker joints, and loss of muscle tone (sarcopenia).
• Muscles that stabilize the TMJ and airway weaken, increasing the risk for pain, tension, and even sleep-disordered breathing.
• Up to 60% of women in menopause report headaches or facial tension tied to these shifts.
• TMJ problems may be underdiagnosed in this population.

“Loss of estrogen degrades the joint, and loss of muscle mass removes its support, so both the hardware and software of the jaw are affected.”

Hormones, Stress & the Autonomic Nervous System

Dr. Alex and Dr. Komal explore how stress hormones (cortisol & catecholamines) interact with pain, inflammation, and jaw tension.

• Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated, increasing blood pressure, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
• Over time, constant “fight-or-flight” can suppress thyroid and reproductive hormones, worsening fatigue, pain, and metabolic issues.

Dr. Alex connects this to her own use of SPG blocks (sphenopalatine ganglion blocks) for anxiety, headaches, and even menopausal hot flashes, which Dr. Komal explains may influence the brain’s thermoregulation center.

“The endocrine system and the nervous system are constantly talking. It’s why chronic stress can show up as jaw tension, sleep problems, or hormonal imbalance.”

Supplements & Nutritional Support

Dr. Komal’s top evidence-backed picks:

• Vitamin D & Calcium – for bone and joint integrity
• Magnesium & Phosphorus – support muscle and bone metabolism
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – reduce inflammation
• Glucosamine & Chondroitin – may assist cartilage health

“Severe Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to worsening TMJ symptoms and most people aren’t getting enough.”

What About Men?

• Men experience a later-life version of menopause called andropause, where testosterone gradually declines.
• Low testosterone — whether due to aging, obesity, chronic pain, or medication can mirror many menopausal issues: muscle loss, fatigue, bone weakness, and jaw-joint vulnerability.

A Sisterly Connection

The episode closes with warmth and laughter as Dr. Priya and Dr. Komal share upcoming projects:

• Their new joint show, You Should Call My Sister (coming soon)
• Komal’s solo podcast, Reset Recharge, which explores perimenopause, hormones, and women’s health with clarity and humor.

About Dr. Komal Patel Sisodia

Dr. Komal Patel Sisodia is a board-certified endocrinologist, obesity-medicine specialist, and certified menopause practitioner. She founded Eastside Menopause and Metabolism in Redmond, WA, helping women manage hormone transitions, metabolic health, and quality of life through evidence-based, compassionate care.

Call to Action

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, tension, or headaches that seem to fluctuate with your hormones, there’s likely a physiologic reason.
Schedule a comprehensive TMJ evaluation with The TMJ Doc, where we take a whole-body, hormone-aware approach to restoring comfort and function.