The Musculoskeletal Syndrome Of Menopause

Vonda Wright’s article on the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, published in Climacteric in 2024, highlights the often overlooked impact of menopause on the musculoskeletal system. The article introduces the term “musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause” to describe a collection of symptoms caused by declining oestrogen levels during menopause (I do wish she might have used a slightly more positive word than ‘syndrome’…). These symptoms include joint pain (arthralgia), muscle mass loss (sarcopenia), bone density reduction (osteopenia/osteoporosis) & progression of osteoarthritis.

As a pelvic & musculoskeletal physiotherapist, this article truly resonates with me because it aligns with what I have been hearing from women for years.

Many of my patients describe the very symptoms discussed—such as joint pain, muscle loss, an increase in tendon pain/tendinopathies & bone density concerns—which often coincide with the hormonal shifts of menopause. This validates the lived experiences of so many women I’ve worked with & emphasizes the importance of proactive musculoskeletal care during this transition.

Key points from the article include:
1. Arthralgia (Joint Pain): Many women experience joint pain, which is strongly tied to oestrogen fluctuations during menopause.

2. Loss of Muscle Mass: Estrogen is crucial for maintaining muscle mass. Its decline leads to sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass & strength), making menopausal women more susceptible to fatigue, reduced mobility & injury.

3. Bone Density Reduction: This happens after menopause which increases the risk of osteoporosis & fractures. Oestrogen plays a pivotal role in bone health & its depletion accelerates bone loss.

4. Progression of Osteoarthritis: Menopause often exacerbates existing osteoarthritis or initiates its development, with oestrogen loss contributing to cartilage degeneration, joint stiffness & pain.

5. Increased Inflammation & Chronic Pain: oestrogen levels result in heightened inflammation throughout the body, which can exacerbate both musculoskeletal pain (tendinopathies) & conditions like osteoarthritis, even when no significant joint damage is present.

The article calls for increased awareness among clinicians & patients about these effects, emphasising early diagnosis & lifestyle interventions to prevent long-term disabilities associated with the menopause transition.

It’s not all bad news…with the right support & a proactive approach, quality of life can vastly improve. Tailored guidance on strength training, nutrition & managing inflammation can make a significant difference in reducing symptoms & helping women stay active & healthy through the menopause transition.

For more details, you can access the full article

https://read.qxmd.com/read/39077777/the-musculoskeletal-syndrome-of-menopause)