Women may start to notice stiff or painful joints and muscles as they enter the menopause transition. Fluctuating hormones during this phase of life can cause pain usually affecting the knees, feet, shoulders, neck, elbows, and hands. General wear and tear may also contribute to aches and pains. Joint injuries from long ago may begin to ache again as women enter menopause.
Estrogen is a key hormone that helps reduce inflammation and, along with testosterone, maintains bone health. As levels of these hormones decline, it can lead to increased inflammation that can then trigger muscle aches, joint pain, and menopause-related arthritis.
The best way to keep muscles and joints healthy and flexible is to use them. As women age, their activity levels decline, resulting in weight gain and stiffness in the joints. It’s never too late to reverse this cycle. If the pain persists even with an active lifestyle, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help improve the symptoms.