Joint and Muscle Pain and (Peri)menopause

Muscle and joint pain are very common (affecting up to 70% of women) during perimenopause. They can start suddenly or gradually increase, and are usually the result of hormonal fluctuations.

There is a clear role of declining estrogen levels.

The role of progesterone remains less clear and may not have the same effect in every woman.

Very often, women experience pain in their fingers and thumb base and have difficulty, for example, turning the lid of a glass jar.

Why Perimenopause Causes Muscle and Joint Pain

Declining Estrogen

Estrogen has a protective effect on:

Joints
Muscles
Inflammatory processes

When estrogen fluctuates and declines:

sensitivity to pain increases
inflammation in joints increases
connective tissue weakens more quickly, causing symptoms to worsen

Poor Sleep

Sleep problems due to hot flashes or night sweats lead to more muscle tension and a lower pain threshold.

Mental and Emotional Changes

Hormones also influence mood, energy, and concentration:

Irritability or mood swings
Fatigue
Concentration problems ("brain fog")
Sadness or anxiety
Reduced self-confidence

Changes in Collagen

Estrogen plays a role in collagen production → less collagen = stiffer joints.

What Can Help?

Hormone replacement therapy can reduce muscle and joint pain.
Pain killers for temporary relief. Always discuss this with your doctor, especially with persistent or significant limitations.

Lifestyle:

Regular exercise: walking, light strength training, yoga or pilates.
Stretching exercises
Heat (warm shower, heating pad) relaxes muscles.
Magnesium can help with muscle tension
Sleep optimization
- Cool bedroom
- Limit caffeine in the afternoon
- Calm evening routine

When to Definitely See a Doctor?

Be sure to visit if you have persistent pain or if you're concerned, especially with:

suddenly swelling joints
redness, warmth, severe pain
fever
asymmetric pain
nighttime pain that keeps you awake

This information is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor with questions or concerns about your health or treatment.