Menopause could be involved in the pathogenesis of muscle and joint aches in mid-aged women

Evaluation of the presence and severity of menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women screened for the metabolic syndrome

“…This is contrary to what others have reported [28,29], yet in accordance to what has been described for Latin America [30]. In accordance to our findings, a recent multinational Latin American study found that muscleskeletal pain was not only the most prevalent symptom yet the most highly rated [30]. Analysis of a large sample from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation found that prevalence of aches and pains was high (1 out of 6 women reported daily symptoms) and that early peri-, late peri-or postmenopausal women reported more aches and pains than premenopausal ones [31].…”

“…Interestingly, vasomotor symptoms were not the most prevalent symptoms. This is contrary to what others have reported [28,29], yet in accordance to what has been described for Latin America [30]. In accordance to our findings, a recent multinational Latin American study found that muscleskeletal pain was not only the most prevalent symptom yet the most highly rated [30].…”

Fibromyalgia, sleep disturbance and menopause: Is there a relationship? A literature review

“…Blummel et al studied a large sample of women (more than 8000) in Latin America and evaluated the menopausal status and presence of climacteric symptoms through a menopausal rating scale. This scale evaluates somatic, psychological, and urogenital aspects of menopause, such as vasomotor symptoms, depression, and vaginal dryness.…”

“…Women with severe‐very sever MJA were older and less educated. Surgical menopause is associated with more pain intensity, and the presence of severe pain is associated with vasomotor symptoms in 60% of the patients, compared with only 8% in asymptomatic patients …”

Postmenopausal Symptoms in Female Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes: Glucose Control and Symptom Severity

“…Musculoskeletal complaints are common and emerge differentially across the menopause transition, reported by 20%-80% of women. 25,30,[68][69]71 An accumulating body of evidence from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies has demonstrated a relationship between menopause and the complaints of joint pain/stiffness, independent of aging 30,68,71 and obesity. 30,[68][69] Retrospective surveys in women with pain complaints also indicate migraine headache and back pain improved or disappeared in menopause, while osteoarticular pain and tension headache presented or worsened.…”