The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause 

Menopause is having a moment and we couldn’t be happier about it!

For too long, menopause and the symptoms associated with it have been brushed aside or at least not discussed openly.

October is Menopause Awareness Month (and October 18th is World Menopause Day), creating the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on a new term to enter the menopause space: The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.   
 

This new term was coined by Dr. Vonda J Wright, an Orthopedic Sport Medicine Surgeon, and her team in a paper released this summer in the Journal Climacteric. You can find the article here.

 

What is the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause?  


The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause describes the symptoms and changes in bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints that may occur during the transition to menopause (perimenopause) and beyond (post menopause).

While there are more than 35 symptoms associated with menopause, musculoskeletal symptoms are less well recognized and understood by both healthcare providers and clients.

 

How can Menopause Contribute to Musculoskeletal Symptoms? 


The link between musculoskeletal symptoms and menopause seems to be at least partially related to the hormone estrogen. During perimenopause, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline. After menopause, estrogen is consistently low.

But why is that important to musculoskeletal health?

All musculoskeletal tissues–including muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and cartilage–have estrogen receptors. When estrogen declines, it may affect the function of these tissues and be an important contributing factor to the development of symptoms.

 

What are the Possible Musculoskeletal Symptoms?  

The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause includes - but is not limited to: 

  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Arthralgia (joint pain)
  • Loss of lean muscle mass (sarcopenia)
  • Loss of bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis) and increased risk of fracture
  • Increased tendon and ligament injuries
  • Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
  • Cartilage changes with progression of osteoarthritis

 

Are musculoskeletal symptoms common in menopause?  

Yes! More than 70% of people experience musculoskeletal symptoms during the menopause transition and 25% are disabled in varying degrees by their symptoms.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?  


Thankfully there is a lot you can do to prevent or mitigate these symptoms–and it may take a team approach.

 

Resistance Training:


The evidence is solid and all the experts agree: Resistance training is essential for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal symptoms in peri and post menopause.

Aim to include five or more exercises that use major muscle groups at least twice a week. Not sure where to start? We can help! Our Physiotherapists and Kinesiologist at Fit For Life Physiotherapy are experts at creating individualized exercise programs to meet your needs.

There are lots of ways to incorporate resistance training, here are a few examples:

Nutrition:


To support your bones, muscles, tendons, joints–all body tissues, in fact–it is essential to eat a variety of healthy foods each day.

Canada’s Food Guide is a great place to start to learn about food and nutrition. The research clearly supports the importance of adequate protein, vitamin D, and calcium intakes for bone health. While there is emerging information about the potential role of supplements like magnesium, vitamin K2 and creatine for musculoskeletal health, more research is needed.

Do you have questions about your diet? We can help! Our Registered Dietitian at Fit For Life Physiotherapy is an expert at helping you develop your own balanced eating pattern.
























Medical Management:

For some people, pharmacology can be a helpful adjunct to addressing musculoskeletal symptoms in peri and post menopause.

The Menopause Society 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement recommends menopause hormone therapy for the prevention of bone loss and to reduce the risk of fractures post menopause. Talk to your prescriber (Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Naturopathic Doctor) to see if menopause hormone therapy or other types of medication are right for you.


The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause is a new term describing a phenomenon we have seen clinically for many years.Recognizing these symptoms as potentially being related to menopause, opens more doors for management and success for clients.

If you are experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms during the menopause transition, know that there is hope–and a team approach to your care may be just what you need.

 


 

Wendy Hancock is an Orthopaedic and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. She incorporates manual therapy, individualized exercise, acupuncture, education and other modalities to help her clients achieve success! 

Ready to feel your best? 
Click here to book an appointment with Wendy.