01/06/2026
Research Spotlight - Exercise & Perimenopause 🧐
Are musculoskeletal symptoms part of the perimenopause picture? A narrative review by Wright et al., published in Climacteric in 2024, explored this very question in the paper “The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.”
Musculoskeletal symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause may include:
✅ Arthralgia or joint pain
✅ Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength
✅ Loss of bone density, leading to osteopenia or osteoporosis
✅ Progression of osteoarthritis
✅ Balance impairments
✅ Pelvic floor weakness
More than 70% of women will experience musculoskeletal symptoms, and around 25% may experience disability from these symptoms during the transition from perimenopause to post-menopause (Wright et al., 2024).
So, how can physiotherapy help? 🤔
Targeted resistance exercise performed consistently at least 2 times per week (ACSM, 2026) is a powerful tool to help navigate the changes associated with perimenopause and ageing. Exercise can support strength, bone health, balance, pelvic floor function and long-term physical health and function 💪
Perimenopause is not just hormonal. Your muscles, joints and movement matter too.
Read more in our blog https://bit.ly/exerciseandperimenopause (link in bio).
