TMJ and the Menopause: When Your Jaw Tension Is Telling You Something
By Emily, Therapist & Founder of Ashburton Therapy Clinic
Hello, I’m Emily, therapist and founder of Ashburton Therapy Clinic and if you’re reading this with your hand resting on your jaw, wincing just a little, then this might be exactly what you need today.
TMJ and the menopause are more connected than most people realise. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ for short) can be a painful, frustrating condition that affects the jaw and surrounding muscles. For many women, it seems to appear, or intensify, right around the time of menopause, you’re not imagining things, you’re not overreacting and no, it’s not “just stress.” Though stress certainly doesn’t help, the real story is more layered and yes, hormones are part of it.
Let’s gently unravel what’s going on and how I might be able to help.
Understanding TMJ and the Menopause
TMJ symptoms often include:
Jaw pain or aching
Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
Headaches or facial tension
Difficulty chewing
Ear pain or pressure
Neck or shoulder tightness
During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels begin to decline. Estrogen doesn’t just affect your reproductive system, it also helps keep joints supple and regulates your pain threshold. As levels drop, your jaw joint may become more sensitive, inflamed, or even stiff. Add to that the sleep disturbances, stress and anxiety that so often accompany hormonal shifts and your whole body, including your jaw, ends up holding more than its fair share.
The Emotional Weight Behind TMJ and the Menopause
I often say the jaw is where we hold “unspoken words”, tension, frustration, grief and even suppressed anger. When menopause sweeps in like a storm, we’re not just dealing with physical symptoms, we’re navigating identity changes, relationship shifts, deep reflections and sometimes fear.
It’s no surprise that so many women experience TMJ problems as a form of silent overwhelm during menopause.
How I Can Help You Navigate TMJ and the Menopause
At Ashburton Therapy Clinic I work holistically. That means we don’t just look at your jaw, we look at you, your story, your body, your stress, your support systems and how all of it is interwoven.
Here’s how we can work together:
Discussing Symptoms and causes to allow changes to create lasting effects.
Gentle Trigger Point Therapy and myofascial release around the head, neck and shoulders.
Working at Your Own Pace to allow tension to leave the body.
FAQs About TMJ and the Menopause
How do I know if I have TMJ or if it’s something else?
Jaw pain can come from lots of sources, dental issues, sinus pressure, ear infections, but TMJ often feels like a deep, aching pain around the joint, with clicking, locking, or facial muscle fatigue. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to start getting support.
Can therapy really help my jaw pain during menopause?
Yes. While I’m not a dentist or doctor, many clients experience relief through body-based therapy that addresses the root causes of tension, often emotional, stress-related, or hormonal. When we create safety and calm in your nervous system, the muscles and joints tend to follow.
Will you tell me I need to relax more?
Absolutely not. I know you’re probably doing your best already. What I offer isn’t about forcing relaxation, it’s about building trust in your body again, gently and with care. It’s a partnership, not a prescription.
Do I have to talk about things I don’t want to?
Never. You’re always in control of the pace, the topics, and the depth of our work together. Some people just want to relax and not talk; others find it beneficial to talk about what ever they feel important at the time whether that’s how their week has been or more personal topics. Both are welcome.
If you’ve found yourself clenching your jaw more than usual, if TMJ and the menopause are making your days harder than they should be, or if you’re simply tired of carrying so much tension without being heard, please know you’re not alone.
I’d be honoured to support you.
With warmth,
Emily x
Ready to Talk?
You can reach me via my contact page or email to arrange a free initial chat. Let’s find a way forward—together.
About the Author
If you're looking for a trusted massage therapist in Banbury, I offer holistic treatments tailored to help relieve neck and shoulder pain, TMJ dysfunction, lower back pain, and scar tissue discomfort. Based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, I also welcome clients from nearby areas such as Bloxham, Adderbury, Deddington, and Chipping Norton.
As a qualified TMJ therapist and member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists, I take a whole-body approach—focusing on the root causes of discomfort rather than just the symptoms. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic tension or support with jaw pain, I provide hands-on, therapeutic care in a calm and supportive environment.
It’s my privilege to help clients feel more comfortable in their bodies and enjoy a better quality of life through effective, personalised massage therapy.