Journalist and broadcaster Joanna Trilling speaks with orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist Dr Samuel Duff about how perimenopause and menopause can affect joints, muscles and bones.

Dr Duff explains that almost every tissue in the body has a receptor for oestrogen, so when signalling is suddenly withdrawn it can make many changes throughout the body. Tendons rely on oestrogen for strength and without it they become weaker and will not stand up as well to biomechanical stress. This means conditions like frozen shoulder or tennis elbow may become more symptomatic around the time of menopause.

He highlights that women lose about 10 per cent of bone mass in the five to ten years around menopause. This can lead to wrist, hip, shoulder or back fractures from even simple falls. At the same time muscle gets weaker and smaller which reduces strength and balance and increases the risk of falls.

Diagnosis is important. Dr Duff stresses that you should not simply assume pain is caused by menopause alone. He recommends having X-rays and other tests so that you know there is not something else to explain the symptoms.

In terms of what helps, regular cardiovascular and weight bearing exercise are essential for bone density, joint comfort and muscle strength. Exercise based physiotherapy and structured programs such as the GLA:D Program for arthritis have strong evidence to support them. Simple pain relief such as Panadol or anti-inflammatories may help and it is also important to check calcium, vitamin D, thyroid and parathyroid levels with your GP.

Dr Duff’s three key messages are to get a diagnosis, to exercise regularly and to support your body with a healthy diet as this can also reduce inflammation if you are choosing the right foods.

https://drsamuelduff.com.au/