Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™

Ep. 467 Bone & Joint Health Tips for Women 40+ with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

14 snips

May 21, 2025

Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon from Duke, shares crucial insights on joint and bone health for women aged 40 and up. She discusses the spike in joint pain during menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy, and targeted supplements like curcumin and collagen. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of early DEXA scans and the vital role of exercise in maintaining bone density. Dr. Wittstein also touches on the impact of GLP-1 medications and the importance of personalized health strategies to combat osteoporosis and enhance overall wellness.

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INSIGHT

Joint Pain in Midlife Women

Women in their mid-40s to 50s often experience new joint pain without increased activity or injury.
This pain is linked to slight inflammation and declining estrogen rather than major structural changes.

ADVICE

Supplements for Joint Health

Start joint inflammation management with curcumin supplements and collagen peptides.
Evaluate and treat joint effusions; consider joint drainage when appropriate and focus on anti-inflammatory dietary changes.

INSIGHT

Arthritis Risk Factors Explained

Prior injuries and obesity increase osteoarthritis risk through both mechanical and inflammatory pathways.
Women are more prone to arthritis at 50 due to hormonal changes, while men see similar effects around age 80.

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Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Joycelyn Wittstein, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and associate professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Duke who conducts NIH-funded research into post-traumatic knee arthritis. She has shared presentations at many prestigious medical conferences, and her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals.

In our discussion, we dive into many of the joint pain symptoms Dr. Wittstein sees in her perimenopausal and menopausal patients, and we look at the impact of specific, targeted supplementations, including curcumin, collagen peptides, and creatine monohydrate. We explore effusions, the effects of osteoarthritic risk factors like prior injuries, obesity, the perimenopause to menopause transition, and the impact of GLP-1s on joint symptoms and bone physiology. We discuss REDS (Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome) and the causes of osteoporosis, and Dr. Wittstein also shares what she does to protect her bones and why she believes DEXA scans must get done early in the aging trajectory, why fractures can be problematic, and the significance of exercise and bone-building foods.

You will not want to miss today’s valuable and super action-oriented conversation with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How women in their mid-40s and 50s often experience an acute increase in joint pain
How hormone therapy can help women improve their bone health, prevent osteoporosis, and overcome joint pain
Dr. Wittstein recommends supplements for reducing joint inflammation
Various foods that can drive inflammation and cause joint health problems
How the inflammatory state of obesity impacts joint health
The benefits of GLP-1s for those with joint pain from inflammation
Why early bone density screening is essential for women in their 40s
How creatine monohydrate improves cognitive function and muscle mass
The value of strength training and balance exercises for improving joint health
The best foods and beverages for bone-building

Bio: Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

I am an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University Medical Center. I completed residency in 2009 and a fellowship in sports medicine in 2010 at Duke. Prior to medical school, I studied nutritional science at Cornell University. My practice focuses on sports medicine, with a particular interest in treating female athletes across the lifespan. I am currently president of the Forum: Women in Sports Medicine. I am part of the core leadership of the Duke Female Athlete Program. I am also a clinician researcher with NIH-funded studies of ACL and meniscus injuries and post-traumatic arthritis in knees. I am a co-author of the Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, which was released on May 6, 2025. On a personal note, I am a former collegiate gymnast, lifelong athlete, and mom of five. I live in Raleigh, NC, with my husband, Tal Lassiter, who is also an orthopedic surgeon.

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Connect with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

On the Duke Health website
Instagram
The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, co-authored by Jocelyn Wittstein, MD, and Sydney Nitzkorski, MS, RD, is available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and from most bookstores.