Why Your Joints, Muscles, and Bones Change in Midlife — And What You Can Do

If you’ve noticed new aches, stiffness, or feeling weaker than you used to, you’re not imagining it. A new medical review describes something called the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause, a collection of symptoms caused by the natural drop in estrogen during the menopause transition. More than 70% of women experience these changes, yet many never hear about them.

The musculoskeletal syndrome of…

Estrogen supports your joints, muscles, and bones. When levels fall, several things shift at once: inflammation rises (which can create joint pain and “frozen” feeling shoulders), muscle mass slowly declines, and bone density drops faster—especially in perimenopause. This is why you may feel weaker, notice more soreness after everyday activities, or feel less steady on your feet.

None of this means you’re “getting old.” It means your body is responding to hormone changes—and you deserve support.

The research shows several approaches that help. Strength training, especially with challenging weights, protects muscle and improves balance. Vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K2 support bone health. And for women who are good candidates, menopausal hormone therapy may help preserve bone density, reduce fat gain, and slow muscle loss.

Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step. You’re not failing. You’re not alone. And these changes are treatable.

Citation: Wright VJ et al., The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. Climacteric. 2024.