As you transition through menopause, your body undergoes significant changes, many of which affect your musculoskeletal system—your bones, muscles, tendons, and joints.This collection of symptoms is newly refered to as the "musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause" (MSM):
Musculoskeletal pain and joint stiffness
Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia)
Decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures
Higher chances of tendon and ligament injuries
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
Progression of osteoarthritis
About 70% of women in midlife experience these symptoms, with 25% facing severe cases. However, diagnosing MSM can be particularly challenging for several reasons. One of the most frustrating aspects of MSM is that the symptoms often don’t have an obvious structural cause. When you experience joint pain, muscle aches, or stiffness, you might expect that imaging tests, like X-rays or MRIs, will reveal the problem. However, many women with MSM have normal imaging results, which can be perplexing both for you and your doctors.
Another layer of complexity comes from the fact that different symptoms of MSM are often handled separately by different specialists, who may not consider how these issues are interconnected or related to menopause. For example, you might see an orthopedist for joint pain, but because they don't see anything unusual on your imaging results, they may not connect your pain to the hormonal changes of menopause. On the other hand, if you visit your gynecologist, you might not think to mention your joint pain because it seems unrelated to your reproductive health. Unfortunately, this can lead to missed opportunities for a more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
The decrease in estrogen during menopause plays a critical role in these symptoms, but because this connection isn't always obvious, it's easy for the underlying cause to go unaddressed. This fragmented approach can leave you feeling like you’re chasing symptoms without finding a solution.
What can you do? Understanding the impact of menopause on your musculoskeletal health is the first step in taking control. Here are some proactive measures you can consider:
Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in protein and essential vitamins, particularly vitamin D, to support your bones and muscles. Look here for more information.
Exercise: Incorporate regular resistance training into your routine to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Look here for more information.
Consider Menopause Replacement Therapy (MHT): Depending on your individual health needs, MHT might be an option. Discuss this with your healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you. Look here and here for more information.
By being informed about the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, you can take steps to maintain your health and well-being during this stage of life. Recognizing that the symptoms may not have a clear cause and may require a more holistic approach can help you advocate for comprehensive care. By addressing these changes early, you can stay active, reduce the risk of falls, and enjoy a better quality of life during and after menopause.
Comments