How Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause Affects Bone and Muscle

Menopause-related symptoms can disrupt your life in unexpected ways. While hot flashes and mood changes are well known, many women are surprised by how much menopause impacts muscle strength, joint flexibility, and bone health. One underlying cause is musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, driven largely by the loss of estrogen.

Pellecome was founded by a board-certified physician with the goal of creating more consistent hormone replacement therapy delivery systems. We help women manage issues like musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause through our trusted providers across the nation. 

Understanding Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause refers to the physical changes many women experience during and after menopause, including joint stiffness, muscle aches, reduced flexibility, and a higher risk of injury.¹ These symptoms are not simply a normal part of aging. They are closely tied to the hormonal shifts happening inside your body.

As estrogen levels decline, the systems that support strength and mobility begin to weaken. Bone loss accelerates, muscles lose endurance, and the connective tissues that stabilize your joints become less resilient.² 

Studies indicate that moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain becomes significantly more common as women move from perimenopause into postmenopause. This often limits activities like walking, gardening, or exercising.³ Without proper support, these changes can significantly affect your entire quality of life.

How Hormone Therapy Helps the Musculoskeletal System

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may help counter the musculoskeletal changes triggered by estrogen loss during menopause. Rather than causing sharp fluctuations, timed-release pellets deliver a steady flow of hormones directly into the bloodstream. This consistent delivery has the potential to support healthier bone remodeling, slow bone loss, and help maintain skeletal strength over time.

Hormone therapy can also play a role in preserving muscle mass and physical function after menopause. By maintaining more stable estrogen levels, BHRT may reduce the risk of frailty and muscle weakening.⁴

In addition, research shows that hormone therapy lowers inflammatory markers linked to joint stiffness and muscle pain, helping ease many of the symptoms associated with musculoskeletal syndrome.⁵ 

Starting estrogen therapy early in menopause may offer important protection for your bones and muscles. You deserve to be able to move comfortably and continue living life on your terms.

Find Relief From Menopause-Related Joint and Muscle Pain

At Pellecome, we work with patient-focused healthcare providers nationwide to deliver high-quality BHRT solutions. 

If you are struggling with joint pain, muscle weakness, or bone loss during menopause, find a provider near you who may be able to help. 

1. Khadilkar SS. Musculoskeletal disorders and menopause. J Obstet Gynaecol India [Internet]. 2019;69(2):99–103. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13224-019-01213-7 
2. Monteiro R, Teixeira D, Calhau C. Estrogen signaling in metabolic inflammation. Mediators Inflamm [Internet]. 2014;2014:615917. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/615917
3. Lu CB, Liu PF, Zhou YS, Meng FC, Qiao TY, Yang XJ, et al. Musculoskeletal pain during the menopausal transition: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neural Plast [Internet]. 2020;2020:8842110. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/884211
4. Collins BC, Laakkonen EK, Lowe DA. Aging of the musculoskeletal system: How the loss of estrogen impacts muscle strength. Bone [Internet]. 2019;123:137–44. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2019.03.033
5. Miller AP, Chen YF, Xing D, Feng W, Oparil S. Hormone replacement therapy and inflammation: interactions in cardiovascular disease: Interactions in cardiovascular disease. Hypertension [Internet]. 2003;42(4):657–63. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/01.HYP.0000085560.02979.0C