Many women expect hot flushes and irregular periods when they hear the word menopause. What often comes as a surprise is that aches, pains and joint problems can also increase during this stage of life.
As an osteopath in New Milton, I regularly see women in their 40s and 50s who come to clinic with back pain, neck pain, shoulder tension or joint stiffness, without realising that perimenopause may be playing a role.
Understanding what is happening in your body can make a big difference to how you manage these symptoms and protect your long-term health.
What is the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually describe different stages.
Perimenopause
- The transition phase before menopause
- Can begin up to 10 years before menopause
- Hormone levels (particularly oestrogen) fluctuate
- Periods may become irregular
Menopause
- Defined as 12 months after your final period
- The ovaries stop releasing eggs and hormone levels stabilise at a lower level
For many women, perimenopause starts in their early to mid-40s, which means symptoms may appear long before menopause itself.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Every woman’s experience is different. Some notice very few changes, while others experience a wider range of symptoms.
Many of the women I see in clinic recognise several of these once we talk through their health history.
✔ Irregular periods
✔ Hot flushes or night sweats
✔ Poor sleep
✔ Brain fog or reduced concentration
✔ Mood changes or increased anxiety
✔ Fatigue
✔ Weight changes
✔ Headaches
✔ Vaginal dryness
And importantly for osteopaths:
✔ Joint stiffness
✔ Muscle aches and pains
✔ Increased neck, shoulder or back pain
✔ Reduced recovery from exercise
✔ Tendon irritation (for example tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis)
Hormonal changes can influence inflammation, collagen health and muscle recovery, which can make the body feel stiffer and more prone to injury.
When Musculoskeletal Pain Has a Hormonal Link
Many women attend clinic because of persistent musculoskeletal pain that seems to have appeared “out of nowhere”.
Common examples I see include:
- Sudden onset neck and shoulder tension
- Lower back pain without a clear injury
- Hip stiffness
- Foot pain such as plantar fasciitis
- General joint stiffness, especially in the morning
While these problems can occur for many reasons, hormonal changes during perimenopause can contribute to how tissues behave and how the body responds to stress or load.
Often the missing piece is simply recognising the wider context of what is happening hormonally.
How Osteopathy Can Help
One of the strengths of osteopathic care is that we take a whole-person approach.
During your appointments we will take a detailed case history, not just about your pain but about your overall health, lifestyle and any changes you may have noticed. This helps identify patterns that may point towards a perimenopausal or menopausal component to your symptoms.
As an osteopath in New Milton, treatment may include:
- Hands-on osteopathic treatment to improve joint movement and reduce muscle tension
- Advice on movement, posture and exercise
- Guidance on strength and balance training
- Education to help you understand how hormonal changes may influence your musculoskeletal health
For many women, simply understanding why their body suddenly feels different can be incredibly reassuring.
Looking After Your Musculoskeletal Health During Midlife
This stage of life often coincides with busy and demanding roles.
Many women are:
- Working full time
- Supporting teenagers or young adults
- Caring for ageing parents
- Managing households and families
It is very easy for your own health to move to the bottom of the list.
However, this is actually a crucial time to invest in your long-term musculoskeletal health.
Key priorities include:
• Regular movement and exercise
• Strength training to support bone health
• Maintaining good joint mobility
• Prioritising sleep and recovery
• Seeking professional advice when pain persists
Taking small steps now can make a significant difference to how you feel in the years ahead.
Osteopathy in New Milton for Midlife Women
At Hands on Care Osteopathy in New Milton, we work with many women navigating perimenopause, menopause and the physical changes that come with it.
Our aim is to provide:
- Personalised osteopathic treatment
- Clear explanations about what may be contributing to symptoms
- Practical advice to help you stay active
If you are experiencing new aches and pains in your 40s or 50s, it may be worth considering whether hormonal changes are part of the picture. Understanding your body is the first step toward feeling more in control of your health.
We regularly see patients from New Milton, Barton on Sea, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Lymington and the surrounding New Forest area who are looking for help with back pain, neck pain, joint stiffness and musculoskeletal symptoms during midlife.
If you would like support with perimenopause or menopause-related musculoskeletal pain, you can learn more about osteopathic treatment at Hands on Care Osteopathy in New Milton or book an appointment online.