Free Shipping on all orders over $150

Search
Close this search box.

⭐ BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SALE ON NOW! ⭐

30% OFF SITEWIDE* Use code BF30 at checkout to apply the discount code 🛒
*excludes bundles, subscriptions and Meno-Coaching.

It’s A Thing! The Musculoskeletal Syndrome Of Menopause & Joint Pain

woman-with-frozen-shoulder

The conversation around menopause just got even more impactful with the emergence of the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.

Indeed, recent research is spotlighting a frequently overlooked aspect of midlife health: the musculoskeletal changes women experience during menopause. So, joint pain, muscle aches, frozen shoulder, and more are now grouped under a newly recognised condition called the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.

The term was coined by renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Vonda Wright and her team. And it finally puts a name to symptoms that have gone unacknowledged for too long, giving many perimenopausal and post-menopausal women a clearer lens. Hallelujah!

The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause: What We Know

The research stated that around 47 million women worldwide begin their menopause journey each year, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. Further, the transition can last up to a decade.

And a staggering 70% of these women are likely to experience musculoskeletal symptoms. It’s important to note that 25% experience severe symptoms and about 40% finding no structural cause for their pain.

So that’s a massive number of women dealing with symptoms that have often been misunderstood or dismissed. Notwithstanding, this syndrome’s impact is profound and recognising it is the first step toward finding relief.

In addition, the study states that musculoskeletal symptoms such as these are less commonly recognised and can be silent and devastating.

Related: What Is Menopause?

What does Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause include?

musculoskeletal-syndrome-of-menopause

Common symptoms include:

 

  • Joint pain and stiffness (arthralgia)
  • Inflammation
  • Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia)
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Higher risk of tendon and ligament injuries

Why does Musculosketal Syndrome happen?

The decline in estrogen, specifically estradiol, plays a big role and as estrogen levels drop, so does muscle mass and bone density. Furthermore, ageing during perimenopause and post-menopause can further reduce muscle strength, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.

Natural ways to support musculoskeletal health during menopause

While more research is needed, certain natural interventions may help:

Anti-inflammatory diet: we’re big advocates of the Mediterranean style of eating because it consistently comes out as a winner for women’s health. 

Vitamin D3 & K2: support bone health and reduce inflammation. D3, found in foods like salmon and tuna, helps the body absorb calcium, while K2 aids in calcium uptake for strong bones.

Creatine: Aids in muscle function and may prevent muscle loss.

Magnesium: Important for muscle and bone health.

Exercise: Regular resistance training.

 

**The study noted resistance exercise may be critical for post-menopausal women to mitigate their risk of falls and fractures.

Related: How Food Can Help You Have Your Best Menopause

Conclusion

In the past, some of the conditions associated with the Musculoskeletal Syndrome Of Menopause haven’t always been associated with the transition.

 

So, this is ground-breaking research and a huge step forward. What’s more, it will probably pave the way for further study into these very common symptoms of peri and post-menopause.

 

Here at MenoMe®, we’re committed to supporting women’s health with evidence-based botanical solutions. As such, we pop our nerd hats on and do our homework!

Therefore, our Perky Post® includes vitamin D3 (the same form produced by the skin in sunlight) and vitamin K2.

This is because vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) helps with calcium absorption, bone density and inflammation. Indeed, low levels have been linked to chronic pain.

And vitamin K2 aids the body’s uptake of calcium into the bone.

We hope this is of help to you, please ask if you have questions.

Disclaimer: Our articles are guidelines only and should never be taken as medical advice. Any signs and symptoms you’re experiencing could be due to a number of reasons. If you’re experiencing ongoing signs, please see your health professional.

References:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2024.2380363#d1e533

Keywords: Musculoskeletal system; menopause; perimenopause, post-menopause

Share with a friend

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Sign up to our mailing list for the latest news and stories and receive a $5 discount code to redeem on your first purchase, plus receive a 3 step eBook on ways to support your body through menopause…

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Scroll to Top

Post-menopause


This is the time when menstruation is well and truly over, the ovaries have stopped producing high levels of sex hormones and for many ladies, perimenopause symptoms subside.

Estrogen has protective qualities and the diminished levels mean organs such as your brain, heart and bones become more vulnerable. It’s also a key lubricant so your lips may become drier, your joints less supple and your vagina might be drier. In addition, your thyroid, digestion, insulin, cortisol and weight may alter.

At this juncture, a woman might experience an increase in the signs of reduced estrogen but she should have a decrease of perimenopause symptoms. That said, some women will experience symptoms like hot flushes for years or even the rest of their lives.

Perimenopause

Peri = ‘near’

Most females begin to experience the symptoms of perimenopause in their mid-forties. Your progesterone levels decline from your mid-30s but it’s generally from around 40 that the rest of your sex hormones begin to follow suit. 

Perimenopause is a different experience for every woman and some women may barely notice it. The first indicators are usually changes to the monthly cycle. This means that for some ladies, this can be accompanied by things like sore breasts, mood swings, weight gain around the belly, and fatigue as time goes on.

For those with symptoms it can be a challenging time physically, mentally and emotionally.

Importantly, perimenopause lasts – on average – four to 10 years. The transition is usually a gradual process and many women enter perimenopause without realising.