Menopause & Musculoskeletal Health: What’s Really Going On?
Menopause can impact far more than your hormones. Learn how this transition affects your bones, muscles, joints, and why it might be the reason your old injuries feel worse.
Menopause: A Time of Transition—Physically and Emotionally
Menopause is something most of us will encounter, whether it’s happening to us, or we’re supporting someone who’s going through it. And while every experience is different, one thing’s for sure: it can be tough. From hot flushes to brain fog, joint pain to poor sleep, the effects can feel overwhelming.
At Proactive Chiropractic, we believe menopause care should go beyond just hormone management. We’re here to support your musculoskeletal health too, because when your body feels stronger, life feels a bit easier.
What Is Menopause, Really?
Menopause is defined as going 12 consecutive months without a period. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the UK average around age 51. The years leading up to it are called perimenopause—when hormone levels start fluctuating and symptoms begin. This transition can last several years, sometimes up to 14!
With around 13 million people currently peri- or menopausal in the UK, that’s a third of the UK’s female population experiencing symptoms that range from mild to debilitating.
Common Menopausal Symptoms:
Hot flushes & night sweats
Fatigue & disturbed sleep
Anxiety & low mood
Joint & muscle aches
Low libido
Brain fog & memory issues
Vaginal dryness & urinary changes.
Why Oestrogen Matters for Your Muscles & Joints
Oestrogen isn’t just about periods. It supports bone density, regulates mood, helps muscle recovery, and even keeps your skin and heart healthy. During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels (especially oestradiol, or E2) drop—causing a ripple effect through the body.
Let’s look at how that impacts your musculoskeletal system.
1. Bone Health
Oestrogen helps keep bones strong by supporting bone-building cells. When levels drop, bones become more fragile. This increases the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis—especially in the decade following menopause.
At Proactive, we’re trained to spot red flags. If we suspect osteoporosis, we’ll refer you for a DEXA scan through your GP. We can still help—with gentle, low-force techniques and soft tissue work to keep you mobile, safe, and supported.
2. Muscle Health
Menopausal fatigue, sleep issues, and low mood often lead to reduced activity. On top of that, oestrogen receptors in your muscles play a role in repair and recovery—so muscle mass naturally declines with menopause (a condition called sarcopenia).
The good news? With the right exercise plan, good nutrition, and consistent support, muscle mass can be maintained. Resistance training, in particular, is key—and we can help you get started safely, even if you’ve been out of the gym for a while.
3. Tendons & Ligaments
Lower oestrogen reduces collagen in connective tissues. Ligaments (which connect bone to bone) may benefit from a little extra stiffness, which helps with joint stability. But tendons (which connect muscle to bone) can become too stiff—leading to increased risk of injury and those pesky “niggles” that don’t go away.
Common areas affected:
Glutes/hips
Hamstrings
Shoulders (rotator cuff)
Achilles
These often show up as stubborn tendon issues, like gluteal tendinopathy or Achilles pain—especially in active women going through menopause.
Keep an eye out for our next menopause blog, we’ll explore how chiropractic care fits into the picture, plus practical and holistic strategies for managing menopause naturally.