Many women experience joint and muscle pain and stiffness around the time of menopause - that they hadn't experienced before. Because there are estrogen receptors all over the body, including the joints, declining hormone levels can add to pain caused by inflammation, general wear and tear, and just plain aging.
Over the years, lots of women have asked me whether things like achy legs, leg cramps, swollen ankles, restless legs or hot (and very cold) feet are symptoms of menopause. The answer is yes, they can be, and there are four main reasons why these symptoms can occur.
These can include tingling, pins and needles and the feeling of something crawling all over you. The medical term for this is paraesthesia and there is considerable overlap between these conditions, with many women suffering from both. Menopause restless legs syndrome is common at this time of life.
Muscle and joint pain and swelling: Estrogen protects against inflammation, so when levels lessen, as in perimenopause and menopause, many women report muscle pain and joint inflammation. Even younger women experiencing premenstrual hormonal changes complain of pain.
Does menopause joint pain go away? Most women do find that symptoms such as joint pain begin to ease off through the menopause as hormone levels even out and stabilise. However, this can also depend on your general health, stress levels, diet, exercise etc. So looking after yourself well at this time is very important.
Since magnesium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission and muscle contraction, it has been hypothesised that magnesium deficiency may predispose to muscle cramps. Thus magnesium supplements are often recommended to prevent cramps.
Some anecdotally find HRT useful for general aches and menopause muscle pain, but it isn't a guaranteed solution. Evidence is still emerging and more research is needed. HRT has been proven to help with many other symptoms of menopause.
Leg pain is a symptom with many possible causes. Most leg pain results from wear and tear or overuse. It also can result from injuries or health conditions in joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine.
Magnesium is found in food sources such as spinach, nuts and beans. However, many may not be able to intake enough magnesium for menopause from their diet alone. According to the NHS, women need approximately 270 mg of magnesium per day, from the ages 19 to 64.
Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium help to keep joints supple, while vitamin B6 is balanced with Dong Quai (a centuries-old botanical) to help regulate hormone activity – preventing hormones from falling off a cliff and exacerbating joint issues (among other things).
Pain in your legs and feet at night, or when trying to sleep, is often a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Peripheral artery disease leg pain can occur anywhere in your leg, but the most common places to feel pain are in the muscles of your calf, thigh or buttocks.
Vitamins B1, B12, and D may help relieve them, along with potassium and magnesium.
Stretching and exercises like yoga and Pilates can help keep your muscles long and limber, and can help when you're feeling sore, too. If your muscles are hurting, try RICE therapy and over-the-counter pain medicine. See your doctor if you're in a lot of pain.
Menopausal joint pain usually hits the worst in the morning and eases as the joints loosen up with the day's activities. Most women complain of back pain, neck pain, as well as pain in the jaw, shoulders, and elbows. Wrists and fingers can also be affected.
Symptoms of low magnesium levels include muscle weakness and cramps – potentially putting you at risk of injury. Magnesium also helps move blood sugar into your muscles and dispose of lactic acid, which can build up after exercising, leaving your body sore and uncomfortable.
B vitamins are essential for energy and mood—“two things a lot of menopausal women struggle with,” says Dr. Petrucci. She suggests a B complex supplement, which often includes vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.
Magnesium supplements should be taken with meals. Taking magnesium supplements on an empty stomach may cause diarrhea.
Many women experience joint and muscle pain and stiffness around the time of menopause - that they hadn't experienced before. Because there are estrogen receptors all over the body, including the joints, declining hormone levels can add to pain caused by inflammation, general wear and tear, and just plain aging.
A new study has found that women with menopause symptoms are nearly twice as likely to have chronic pain diagnoses, such as fibromyalgia, migraine, and back pain.
Is it normal to ache as you get older? Yes, often aching joints and muscles are simply the effects of age. As you get older, the natural tendency is for muscles to get smaller and lose some of their strength. Bones also start to get weaker over time.