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Author Spotlight: Quantifying Pain Experience – An Illustrative Approach Using the Pain Body Diagram
Published on: July 7, 2023
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Musculoskeletal pain and menopause.
1Arthritis Research UK Centre for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Post Reproductive Health
|February 8, 2018
Summary
Menopause commonly causes musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, and arthritis in women. While estrogen deficiency may play a role, a direct causal link requires further research for effective prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia, and arthritis are more prevalent in women, increasing with age and potentially linked to menopause.
- Menopause-associated musculoskeletal issues significantly impact women's quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical assessment, investigation, and management of musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia, and arthritis in women during menopause.
- To discuss common causes, epidemiological evidence, and the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- To explore the potential etiological roles of sex hormones, particularly estrogen deficiency, in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical assessment, investigation, and management strategies.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on HRT.
- Overview of etiological theories regarding sex hormones and musculoskeletal health.
Main Results:
- Common causes of arthralgia and arthritis in menopausal women are identified.
- Evidence on HRT's effects on musculoskeletal pain and arthritis is evaluated, primarily from studies on other menopausal symptoms.
- A strong association between estrogen deficiency and musculoskeletal issues is observed, but a definitive causal link is not yet established.
Conclusions:
- While estrogen deficiency is associated with increased musculoskeletal pain and arthritis in menopausal women, a causal relationship remains unproven.
- Further research is needed specifically in symptomatic menopausal populations to understand and address these conditions.
- Optimal prevention and treatment strategies for menopause-related musculoskeletal pain and arthritis require further investigation.
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