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Menopause-related chronic pain affects one in two middle-aged women
Research and medical reviews highlight a significant prevalence of chronic pain among women undergoing menopause and perimenopause. According to the International Menopause Society (IMS), approximately one in two middle-aged women experiences chronic pain. Specifically, musculoskeletal pain affects between 57% and 71% of women during these hormonal transitions.
Commonly reported symptoms include muscle and joint pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, and chronic pelvic pain. These physical issues are often compounded by other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. In Latin America, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain is reported as high as 68%.
Medical experts emphasize that while menopause is a natural life stage, the associated pain should not be dismissed as inevitable. There is a growing call for individualized, multidisciplinary medical evaluations to address these symptoms, as they can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, work productivity, and daily activities.
Entities
Dr. Violeta Vaitsi · Greek Menopause Society · Hermes Arzneimittel GmbH · International Menopause Society · Physiopedia · Spanish Association for the Study of Menopause · World Health Organization