Premature menopause increases musculoskeletal pain and risk of sarcopenia
Last reviewed: 14.06.2024
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Musculoskeletal pain is a common symptom of menopause, which helps explain why women typically experience more pain than men, especially around age 50. In addition to pain, menopause also affects muscle function and mass.
Premature surgical menopause may lead to an increased risk of muscle disorders, new research suggests. The survey results are published online in an article entitled “Association of Muscle Disorders in Late Postmenopausal Women by Type of Menopause Experienced” in Menopause.
The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation highlighted a number of symptoms that are common during menopause. Among other findings, it confirmed that muscle complaints were most common during menopause, affecting 54% of US women aged 40 to 55.
This is also the time when ovarian hormone levels decrease significantly. In women who have experienced premature menopause, either spontaneous or surgical, the decline is even more pronounced. Additionally, testosterone levels have also been shown to decrease significantly in women with premature menopause.
These facts prompted researchers to conduct a new study specifically designed to evaluate the effects of different types of menopause on muscle discomfort and function in late postmenopausal women aged 55 years and older. A study of nearly 650 women found that women who experienced premature surgical menopause were more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal discomfort and sarcopenia than those who experienced natural menopause at age 45 or older. They suggested that pain and loss of muscle mass in the late postmenopausal stage were more closely associated with hormonal deficiency than with chronological age.
“This study highlights the potential long-term musculoskeletal effects of premature surgical menopause, which causes a more abrupt and complete loss of ovarian hormones, including estrogen and testosterone than natural menopause. Using hormone therapy before the natural age of menopause has the potential to mitigate some of the adverse long-term effects of early estrogen loss,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the Menopause Society.