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Joint Pain: The Menopause – Musculoskeletal Connection

Published: 17 Jun 2025

The Surprising Link Between Menopause and Joint Pain

Are you feeling stiffer in the mornings? Not bouncing back from workouts the way you used to? If you’re a woman in your 40s or 50s and these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone.

Our team of physiotherapists across Penrith, Jordan Springs, Caringbah, and Mount Annan are seeing more women present with persistent joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue—often with no obvious injury. In many of these cases, the culprit is menopause.

What’s Happening to Your Joints During Menopause?

The hormonal shifts that occur during perimenopause and menopause—especially the drop in estrogen—have a direct effect on your musculoskeletal system.

Oestrogen plays a key role in:

• Collagen production – vital for healthy tendons and ligaments
• Bone metabolism – maintaining bone strength and density
• Joint lubrication – reducing stiffness and inflammation

When estrogen levels decline:

• Joints may become stiffer and more painful
• Muscles can lose mass and strength
• Tendons may become more vulnerable to overuse and injury

Many women report symptoms similar to inflammatory arthritis, but the underlying cause is hormonal.

Common Menopause-Related Conditions We See in Clinic

At The Healthy Body Company, our physios often treat menopausal women for:

• Frozen shoulder 
• Plantar fasciitis 
• Achilles or gluteal tendinopathy 
• Low back and hip pain 
• Generalised fatigue and poor recovery
  

If traditional loading programs and de-loading strategies aren’t working, it’s time to consider the hormonal picture.

We are seeing women in their 40s and 50s who are working hard to stay active and presenting with knee, ankle, hip and shoulder issues.

Case Example: When It’s Not Just a Tendon Problem (the collision of menopause and joint pain)

Emily Wyer, Associate Physiotherapist in Caringbah, recently shared how a patient with persistent tendon pain saw significant improvement once she was referred back to her GP, had bloods reviewed, and commenced Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT). With hormonal support in place, her physiotherapy program finally started working.

This is a powerful reminder that pain isn’t just mechanical—it can be chemical and systemic, especially during menopause.

How Physiotherapists Can Help

Across our clinics in Mount Annan, Jordan Springs, Caringbah and Penrith, our team is trained to look beyond just the injury. We consider:

• Your hormonal stage (perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause)
• Screening for osteoporosis or sarcopenia
• Tailored strengthening and mobility programs
• Collaborating with your GP or specialist for appropriate referrals
• Educating and empowering you with knowledge about your body

What You Can Do

If you’re experiencing

• Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or exercise
• Stiffness in multiple joints
• Fatigue that affects your daily life
• A sense that “something’s not right”

Ask your physiotherapist whether menopause could be part of the picture.

Supporting Women in Every Stage of Life

Whether you’re navigating hot flushes or dealing with unexplained hip pain, our physiotherapists are here to help. We proudly support women across the Nepean, Sutherland Shire and Camden regions to stay strong, active and confident.

Book with Your Local Clinic:

• Penrith
• Jordan Springs
• Caringbah
• Mount Annan

👉 Coming Up Next:

Blog 3 in our series: “Move Through Menopause: Why Exercise Is Your Best Ally”