What’s the Connection Between Pain and Menopause?

The onset of menopause may be characterized by pain in some patients. You will notice hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and trouble sleeping.

But what’s the connection between menopause and all these painful symptoms? Let’s find out!

Chronic Pain and Menopause

Menopause results from hormone reduction, which triggers pain in specific areas like the bones, back, brain, vaginal tract, and urinary system. Naturally, estrogen regulates the body’s fluid levels, and when it drops, the body may not hold water adequately.

Consequently, hydration and lubrication of body tissues may be affected, inhibiting the  elasticity and flexibility of muscles. This state results in inflammation of joint tissues, worsening pain during menopause.

A change in hormone levels may not be the only reason you experience chronic pain –underlying conditions could contribute. These include:

• Dehydration: excessive sweating without taking enough water may cause stiffness and joint pain during menopause. 
• Stress: experiencing a lot of stress results in an increased release of the cortisol hormone – muscles tense up when stressed. The hormone causes inflammation and may worsen pain during menopause, causing discomfort. 
• Weight gain: most women gain weight during menopause. It builds weight around the joints, especially in the knees and hips. Lack of exercise worsens the pain. 
• Diet: some foods have been associated with pain during menopause. These include fizzy drinks, sugary foods, processed foods, caffeine, dairy, and high-salt foods. Checking your diet may be a remedy for chronic menopause pain. 

How Menopause Pain Feels

Any part of your body may ache because of menopause pain, including your knees, toes, knees, back, and hips. You may notice burning sensations, hot flashes, and difficulties moving or stretching. 

The symptoms’ severity varies from one patient to another but is usually worse in the morning. Other common symptoms include:

• Breast tenderness 
• Migraine headaches
• Joint pain
• Bruising
• Painful intercourse
• Fibromyalgia
• Reduced libido
• Difficulties sleeping
• Sweating at night

Tips for Managing Menopause Pain

You don’t have to grapple with menopause pain while there are countless remedies; try these tips to relieve the excruciating pain:

• Increase your water intake

Dehydration negatively impacts your joints and worsens menopause aches. Take plenty of water to help with lubrication and reduce soreness. Develop a habit of taking at least one glass of water an hour before going to bed, especially if you sweat at night. 

• Be active

Aging may mean less exercise, but remaining active may minimize menopause pain. You don’t have to hit the gym, but can try activities like water aerobics, cycling, swimming, walking, dancing, and yoga. 

• Pay attention to your diet.

It’s essential to eat food that doesn’t trigger or worsen the pain. Include antioxidant-rich foods and fruits like cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and broccoli in your diet. Anti-inflammatory vegetables and fruits (mushrooms, avocados, apples, and pineapples) and omega-3 rich foods are also helpful. 

• Heat or cool the area.

Using heat or ice to minimize pain is an inexpensive remedy that you can try for your menopause pain. You can take a warm bath or dip a cloth in warm water and gently massage the stiff area. It improves the flexibility of tendons and sore ligaments, soothing the painful areas. 

Alternatively, use place packs to numb painful nerve endings. This therapy reduces pain by slowing blood circulation.

• Seek Treatment

If the menopause pain is unbearable, the best solution will be to seek an expert’s input. Physicians will assess the pain areas and provide remedies or pain-numbing medications to reduce them.

Finding Relief for Menopause Pain

The main reason you experience pain in menopause is reduced estrogen levels. While this soreness can be inevitable, you can find remedies to mitigate it. Don’t let menopause pain affect your quality of life; fill out our form below to contact our team.