Muscle pain during the menopause: Causes, symptoms and help from massages

There are a whopping 650 different muscles that move us through our daily lives in an incredible way. The bad news is that during the menopause, every single one of them can potentially be affected by pain. The fact that hormonal changes not only affect mood, but also have many other consequences, is often overlooked when it comes to this topic. The effects range all the way to changes in muscle tension, which is why this topic plays a central role in our everyday well-being.

In this article, we will focus on the common muscle complaints that affect women during this phase of life. Not only will we find out what the causes and symptoms are, but also how massage can help to relieve muscle pain during the menopause. 

Last but not least, we would also like to raise awareness of when medical advice should definitely be sought in order to take the right measures for a healthy and vital life. We would like to point out that this article does not replace medical advice and that individual treatment by specialists is always recommended.

 

Reading tip: You can find out more about the various effects of massages in our article "From head to toe: massages help here".

 

Causes of muscle pain during the menopause

The menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, characterized by the end of the fertile phase. During this time, the body experiences numerous hormonal changes that can have far-reaching effects. 

The menopause typically begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but the symptoms and complaints can become noticeable earlier. The most common include hot flushes, sleep disorders and mood swings. 

Many women also report that they muscle and joint pain all over the body during the menopause. all over the body. They describe them as pulling, stabbing or cramping sensations. This pain is not only due to the natural ageing of muscles and tissue. Rather, the hormonal change and the change in oestrogen levels are decisive.

 

How oestrogen deficiency can lead to sore muscles

Oestrogen, a hormone that is produced in higher quantities during the fertile years, plays a crucial role in bone and muscle health. With the onset of the menopause, the production of oestrogen decreases, leading to a number of changes in the body. One of the more unpleasant symptoms is muscle pain, which is often accompanied by stiffness and discomfort.

 

The lack of oestrogen affects the function and maintenance of muscle mass and strength. This is precisely what makes muscles more susceptible to injury and pain. In addition, joints are also subjected to greater stress due to the reduced protection of the reduced oestrogen, which can promote complaints such as osteoarthritis and arthritis.

 

Reading tip: You can find out more about osteoarthritis and how massages can relieve the pain it causes in our article on osteoarthritis pain.

 

In addition, conditions such as rheumatism, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis, which occur more frequently during this phase of life, can contribute to muscle pain. These conditions can also be further exacerbated by a mineral deficiency.  

An adequate supply of minerals such as calcium and magnesium for bone and muscle health is therefore another key factor in the prevention of muscle and joint complaints during the menopause.

Both large and small muscles and joints are affected, including the shoulders, neck, back, fingers and hands. In other words, almost all areas that can be particularly strained by daily stress. Knees and hips are also frequently affected, which restricts mobility and can significantly reduce quality of life. 

When does muscle pain occur during the menopause and how long does it last?

When muscle pain occurs during the menopause depends on the individual. They can start at different times and often vary greatly in duration.

Most women notice the first signs of muscle pain during the perimenopause. This is the phase shortly before the last menstrual cycle, when hormonal fluctuations are particularly intense. This pain can occur episodically or manifest itself as continuous discomfort that lasts for years.

The duration of muscle pain can also vary greatly. For some women, the symptoms subside after the menopause has fully set in, while for others they may persist, especially if there are underlying chronic conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. However, the intensity and frequency of pain can also be influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity and stress management.

It is therefore all the more important that affected women listen carefully to their body's signals and take appropriate measures to manage the symptoms and improve their quality of life. But how can you take your well-being into your own hands?

 

Strategies against muscle pain during the menopause

 

The good news is that there are several approaches to combating muscle pain during the menopause. These range from simple lifestyle adjustments to targeted treatments:

• Sport and sufficient exercise: Regular physical activity strengthens your muscles, promotes flexibility and improves circulation. This can help to reduce pain and stiffness.

• Massages: Massage therapies can be particularly beneficial for relieving muscle tension and boosting your circulation. Techniques such as Swedish massage or gentle lymphatic drainage are ideal for relieving inflammation and improving mobility.

• Sauna and heat treatments: Heat helps to relax muscles and relieve pain. Regular visits to the sauna can also improve your general well-being.

• Healthy diet and vitamins: A balanced diet, rich in anti-inflammatory foods and essential nutrients, naturally supports muscle health. It can also help to reduce inflammation. D vitamins, calcium and magnesium are particularly important for muscle and bone health.

• Stress reduction: Stress can exacerbate muscle tension and joint pain. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, simple breathing exercises and regular massages can help to reduce stress in the long term.

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medical practice can help with pain relief by stimulating specific points on the body to activate the body's natural pain relief mechanisms.

• Herbal remedies and hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Taking natural supplements can be helpful, but should always be done after consulting a doctor. This also applies to the hormone replacement therapy approach. Note, however, that hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks. An individual risk assessment by a doctor is essential.

 

The soothing effect of massages in particular often has a holistic effect. They address stress levels, blood circulation and muscle tension in equal measure and can therefore make a significant contribution to relief as an accompanying measure.

 

Combat muscle pain during the menopause with a massage chair

Massage chairs are also an excellent addition to traditional massage methods during the menopause. They offer a comfortable, accessible form of relaxation and therapy in the comfort of your own home. 

The functionalities have developed rapidly in recent years, with the result that many models already enable completely individualized treatments.

There are a variety of massage chair models that already cover different massage techniques specifically designed to relieve muscle pain, improve circulation and promote relaxation. Some massage chairs also offer infrared heat treatment, which is also extremely beneficial for muscle pain caused by the menopause.

 

Reading tip: Looking for the right massage chair? Make the right choice with our tips!

 

Massage therapy within your own four walls

Modern massage chairs have a number of advantages, as they can be easily integrated into everyday life. Numerous types of massage such as Shiatsu, roller massage, kneading massage and even air pressure massage are already included in many models. This allows pain relief to be targeted at specific areas of the body. 

Another advantage is the high degree of accessibility of a massage chair in the comfort of your own home. This makes it possible to have a continuous treatment at short notice, without having to make an appointment or travel to and from a practice. If necessary, you can get relaxation at the touch of a button, without the additional stress of organizing a massage. This is a considerable relief, especially when you are aching all over.

However, medical advice is essential when using both traditional and massage chairs. It is always important to clarify in advance exactly what the individual reasons are for the muscle pain during the menopause.

 

Reading tipMore information on the medical benefits of massage chairs can be found in the article "Are massage chairs medically useful" summarized.

 

When should you seek medical advice?

Especially if muscle pain during the menopause is new, worsening or persistent, you should definitely consider visiting your doctor. Look out for signs such as:

• Sudden or very intense pain.
• Symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss or severe redness and swelling associated with the pain.

• Lack of relief from common home remedies and lifestyle adjustments.
• Negative effects on your sleep quality.

 

Medical professionals can carry out a thorough examination to diagnose the exact cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatment. This is the only way to ensure that it is tailored to your individual needs and health conditions.

 

Enjoy the menopause symptom-free with mindfulness and support

Almost 650 muscles can be affected by menopausal symptoms, and it's up to you to take care of them all. Modern medicine and various therapeutic approaches now offer numerous ways to alleviate this pain. The key is to stay active and use supportive therapies such as massage, with massage chairs in particular helping to specifically address the pain at any time in the comfort of your own home. 

The basis for all measures is to understand the causes of the muscle pain and choose the appropriate treatment methods based on this. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek professional medical help, especially if the symptoms persist or are particularly severe - do not hesitate here. 

Even though the menopause can be a challenging time, with the right strategies and supportyou can get through this phase with fewer symptoms and an improved quality of life.

Cover image: Klara Kulikova, other images: Conscious Design