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Body Aches During Menopause: Musculoskeletal Syndrome Explained

Medically reviewed by Ellen Byars, MSN, WHNP, MSCP · Written by Nicole Hernandez, PT, DPT · September 17, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause is a common condition that causes body aches, joint pain, and other muscle and bone symptoms due to hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.
  • Dropping estrogen levels during menopause can leave the body more vulnerable to conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and muscle loss, which may make everyday activities feel harder. Many healthcare providers do not always connect these symptoms to menopause, which can leave people without answers.
  • If you are experiencing body aches or joint pain during perimenopause or menopause, talking with your healthcare team is a great first step, as they can help rule out other causes and explore options that may bring relief, including lifestyle changes like regular exercise, better sleep habits, and a balanced diet.
    • View all takeaways

“I’ve been going through body aches and hot flashes,” one woman reported in a survey by ThisIsMenopause. Another woman described “horrible joint pain.”

If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and are noticing new body aches and joint pain, you might be experiencing musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.

What Is Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause?

Women experience major hormonal changes during perimenopause, which can lead to musculoskeletal (muscle and bone) symptoms, known as musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.

🗳️ Do you experience body aches?
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Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause is common — an estimated 70 percent of women will experience symptoms.

Many times, healthcare providers don’t recognize the connection between menopause and symptoms like body aches and joint pain, which can leave women in the dark.

“I didn’t expect the amount of body aches,” one woman shared about her menopause experience. “I would have prepared better had I known,” she said.

What Are the Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause?

Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause causes a range of symptoms affecting your muscles and bones. Examples include:

  • Body aches
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Worsening arthritis
  • Tendon and ligament problems
  • Muscle loss
  • Bone loss

If you have menopause-related joint pain, you may notice pain in places like your lower back, hips, knees, hands, and wrists. You may also experience the dreaded frozen shoulder, when you lose range of motion and develop pain when trying to move your shoulder.

What Causes Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause?

Estrogen plays a big role in protecting the body’s tissues. Estrogen receptors are located throughout the body, including bones, ligaments (tissues that connect bones), and muscles.

Estrogen is also important for controlling inflammation, which can contribute to more joint pain.

When estrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, you may experience body aches and other uncomfortable symptoms or musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.

The drop in estrogen leaves women vulnerable to long-term issues, including:

  • Osteoporosis — Bones become less dense and more brittle, which increases the risk of fractures.
  • Osteoarthritis — Cartilage wears down over time, which can cause pain and stiffness.
  • Sarcopenia — Loss of muscle mass can make everyday activities harder.

Are Body Aches Due to Perimenopause or Something Else?

Not everyone going through perimenopause experiences body aches or other musculoskeletal symptoms caused by hormonal changes.

Aches and pains may be due to other causes, including a new injury or an autoimmune condition (where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body). In some cases, hormonal shifts can make existing issues worse.

Because perimenopause symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it’s important to talk to your healthcare team about anything new or changing. They can rule out other conditions, help you find the root cause, and develop a plan to treat it.

Contact your doctor if:

  • You have severe or constant pain that affects your daily activities.
  • You develop sudden back pain, which could be related to osteoporosis, or a family member or friend notices changes in your posture or height.
  • You don’t see symptoms improving with self-care.

How Can You Relieve Body Aches and Joint Pain?

Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause can have a major impact on quality of life. “It can really feel physically limiting with the joint pain,” one woman shared in a ThisIsMenopause survey.

Your doctor may suggest a few treatment options for body aches related to musculoskeletal syndrome. While some people benefit from medication, many find symptom relief with lifestyle changes.

Hormone Therapy

One way doctors can treat (and sometimes confirm) musculoskeletal syndrome is by prescribing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called hormone therapy. HRT involves taking estrogen, and sometimes progesterone, to help relieve symptoms.

If your pain improves after taking hormones, it may suggest that the pain was related to perimenopause.

Whether to prescribe hormone therapy is decided on a case-by-case basis. Ask your doctor if it’s right for you.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may offer temporary relief. These include ibuprofen or aspirin. Talk to your doctor before starting NSAIDs to make sure they’re safe for you and don’t interfere with other medications.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can keep bones, muscles, and joints healthy. Physical activity guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic (endurance) activity every week, like doubles tennis or brisk walking.

If you’re able, you can do 75 minutes of vigorous aerobics per week instead, like heavy yard work or running. Guidelines also recommend two days of strength training, like lifting weights.

Women going through perimenopause may need to prioritize a challenging-but-doable level of strength training to prevent muscle and bone loss. If you’re not sure where to start or how to lift safely, ask your doctor if you should see a personal trainer.

In some cases, especially if you have joint or bone problems, a physical therapist can recommend safe exercises and show you how to build strength without overdoing it.

Try exercising outside when you can. Some sunlight exposure can help your body make vitamin D, which supports bone health and may improve mood.

Sleep Hygiene

Poor sleep can make pain worse, and pain can disrupt sleep. Try making small changes to your daily routine that encourage sleep hygiene, including:

  • Establish a bedtime routine, like going to bed at the same time every night.
  • Keep your bedroom cool, ideally around 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Minimize light and noise to prevent sleep disruptions.
  • Avoid afternoon caffeine.

Emotional Support

Many women notice mood changes during perimenopause or menopause. Stress can cause tension throughout the body, which can contribute to muscle pain or headaches.

It may help to find relaxation techniques that work for you, such as meditation, regular exercise, or better sleep habits. If you need additional support, talk to your doctor about therapy, which can help you feel better.

Diet Changes

Certain foods, like added sugars, can contribute to body inflammation. Your doctor or a dietitian may suggest eating more anti-inflammatory foods, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fish, which contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Some common fish, like salmon and trout, also contain vitamin D to support bone health. Your doctor may also suggest prioritizing colorful fruits and vegetables or eating high-quality lean meats to help maintain muscle.

Alternative Therapies

Home remedies may help control pain levels. Applying heat or cold to an aching area can help. You can also try self-massage with a foam roller or tennis ball to target painful muscles.

Some people may benefit from other professional approaches, including acupuncture, to help relieve pain. Ask your doctor which alternative therapies are safe for you.

References
  1. Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause: When Menopause Makes You Ache All Over — Harvard Health Publishing
  2. The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause — Climacteric
  3. Menopause and Joint Pain — Mass General Brigham
  4. Perimenopause — Cleveland Clinic
  5. Understanding and Overcoming Menopause-Related Musculoskeletal Pain — Loyola Medicine
  6. Role of Exercise in Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Sarcopenia — Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation
  7. Osteoporosis — Cleveland Clinic
  8. American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids — American Heart Association
  9. Sun Safety and Vitamin D — American Cancer Society
  10. Chronic Pain Management and Sleep Disorders — Cell Reports Medicine
  11. Sleep Hygiene: Simple Practices for Better Rest — Harvard Health Publishing
  12. Perimenopause and Anxiety — Johns Hopkins Medicine
  13. Stress Effects on the Body — American Psychological Association
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I'm 54 and I'm STILL going thru this Menopause, My moods, my aches n pains loosing my hair, like come on Already, WILL IT EVER END🤔🤔🤔🤔

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