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World Menopause Day: Why Aches and Joint Pain Can Show Up in Midlife
October 18 is World Menopause Day, and this year’s theme is chronic pain in midlife. Why aches and stiffness show up around menopause, and what can help.
Medically reviewed by Robin Arora, MD ·
October 18 is World Menopause Day. This year the International Menopause Society chose “Chronic Pain in Midlife” as its theme, because so many women in their 40s and 50s notice new aches, stiffness and joint pain and aren’t sure why.
Why aches and joint pain can show up in midlife
- Hormone changes. Estrogen affects joints, muscles and how the body processes pain. As levels change during perimenopause and menopause, many women notice more stiffness and soreness, especially in the morning.
- Poor sleep. Hot flashes and night sweats disrupt sleep, and poor sleep makes pain feel worse.
- Less muscle. Muscle mass naturally declines with age, which puts more strain on joints.
What can help
- Strength training and regular movement, even short daily walks.
- Better sleep, by managing night sweats and keeping a consistent routine.
- A medical evaluation, to rule out other causes like thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency or arthritis.
- For some women, hormone therapy may be worth discussing with a physician, who can weigh the benefits and risks for your health history.
When to see a doctor right away
Get prompt medical care for pain with swelling, redness, fever, numbness or weakness, or pain that keeps getting worse.
Talk with our physician-led team
If midlife symptoms are getting in the way of how you feel day to day, our physician-led team offers hormone consultations in Hudson, OH and Barboursville, WV.
Source: International Menopause Society, World Menopause Day 2026 theme, “Chronic Pain in Midlife.” imsociety.org
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Evaluation and treatment are provided only after consultation with a licensed provider. Individual results vary.
About the authorDr. Robin Arora, MD, MBA is the founder and medical director of Serene Med Spa and a Biote Certified Provider. He is board-certified in internal medicine, nephrology and hypertension, and addiction medicine, and in aesthetic medicine through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).
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