One of the challenges with pain at midlife is that many women don’t immediately connect new or changing symptoms with the menopause transition.
Perhaps your joints have started aching more, your migraines have become harder to manage, or a long-standing pain condition is affecting your sleep and energy. It’s easy to put it down to getting older, being busy, stress, work or simply having too much to deal with.
So, we all do it, we carry on.
Pain can become something you learn to accommodate rather than thinking it could be something you feel able to ask for help with. Throw other menopause symptoms into the mix, and it can be difficult to know what is connected, what needs investigating and where to start looking for support. Which is why we can tend to brush it off.
However, you don’t have to dismiss persistent pain as simply an inevitable part of getting older.
Can menopause affect your muscles and joints?
Musculoskeletal symptoms, including aching joints, muscle aches and stiffness, are commonly reported during perimenopause and menopause.
The hormonal changes, particularly changes in oestrogen, that you go through may be playing a role in how your body experiences pain and inflammation. Sleep disruption, stress, changes in physical activity and other symptoms of menopause can also influence how pain is experienced.
Have you noticed?
- Aching or stiff joints
- Muscle aches and pains
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Existing pain conditions becoming more difficult to manage
- Stiffness that is particularly noticeable after periods of inactivity
I am not saying that every new ache or pain is caused by menopause. Persistent, severe, unusual or worsening symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare professional so that other possible causes can be considered.
What about headaches and migraines?
Fluctuating hormone levels may contribute to changes in migraine frequency or severity for some women. Sleep problems, stress and other menopause symptoms can also act as triggers.
If your headaches or migraines have changed significantly, become more frequent or are affecting your daily life, it’s worth seeking medical advice rather than simply putting them down to menopause.
Can menopause be linked to urinary and pelvic symptoms?
Changes in oestrogen levels during menopause can affect the tissues of the vagina, vulva, bladder and urethra. This can contribute to what is often described as genitourinary symptoms of menopause.
Have you noticed?
- Vaginal dryness or irritation
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Changes in bladder control
- Pelvic discomfort
These symptoms are common, and you certainly do not have to put up with them.
If you experience new urinary symptoms, especially burning, pain, fever or blood in your urine, seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming they are simply part of menopause.
Joining up the dots
Menopause doesn’t necessarily explain every ache, headache or pain you experience. But it can be one piece of the puzzle, and recognising that possibility can make it easier to have a more informed conversation about your symptoms.
Listen to your body – are your aches and pains affecting your sleep, energy, work, relationships or quality of life? If so, it’s worth talking to your healthcare professional.
Understanding the possible links between menopause and pain is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
If you’d like to explore your symptoms in more detail, a menopause specialist can sometimes be worth considering. They may have more time to understand your individual symptoms and circumstances and work with you to develop a tailored plan.
In this short clip, Diane Porterfield Bourne, a menopause specialist introduces herself and explains a little about what this kind of support can involve. You can find about more about Diane here.
This Menopause Awareness Month, we’re raising awareness of the many ways menopause can affect women’s health. If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to menopause, we’re here to help you understand what could be happening and where to turn for support.
