The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and expert conceptual proposal without systematic search or primary empirical data.
PubMed 39077777 · doi:10.1080/13697137.2024.2380363
What was done
The authors conducted a narrative review of the literature on midlife estrogen decline and its impact on the musculoskeletal system. Based on this synthesis, they proposed a formal clinical framework and terminology—the "musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause"—to encompass the broad array of estrogen-deficiency-related musculoskeletal symptoms and conditions.
What was found
The abstract cites general epidemiological estimates: over 47 million women enter the menopause transition globally each year, over 70% experience musculoskeletal symptoms, and 25% experience disability from these symptoms during the transition from perimenopause to postmenopause. Key clinical manifestations highlighted include arthralgia, reduction in muscle mass, bone mineral density decline, and osteoarthritis progression.
Why it matters
Grouping isolated conditions (such as joint pain, osteopenia, and sarcopenia) under a single diagnostic concept helps clinicians recognize estrogen withdrawal as a common underlying mechanism and prioritize early risk assessment and proactive management.
Limits
This is a narrative framework paper rather than an empirical study or systematic review, meaning no original human data or formal quality assessments were conducted. The epidemiological percentages provided in the abstract represent secondary broad estimates rather than the findings of a specific study cohort.
Cited by
- supports Dr. Vonda Wright termed the condition of musculoskeletal issues arising during perimenopause and menopause the 'musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.'