What are the best ways to manage body aches associated with menopause?

From the Guidelines

To manage body aches associated with menopause, a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions can be effective, with a focus on the lowest risk and highest benefit approaches. The most effective approaches include:

• Regular physical activity, aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, including activities like walking, swimming, or yoga, which can reduce inflammation and release endorphins that naturally alleviate pain 1.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 500-1000mg every 6 hours as needed (not exceeding 3000mg daily) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 200-400mg every 4-6 hours with food (not exceeding 1200mg daily) can provide temporary relief.
• Applying heat therapy through warm baths or heating pads for 15-20 minutes several times daily helps relax muscles and improve circulation.
• Maintaining proper hydration with 8-10 glasses of water daily and consuming an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation contributing to aches.
• For persistent symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be considered under medical supervision, as estrogen decline during menopause contributes to joint and muscle pain, with the recommendation to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time 1.
• Stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing for 10-15 minutes daily can also help, as stress exacerbates pain perception. These approaches work because they address both the hormonal changes and inflammation that typically underlie menopausal body aches. Key considerations include:
• The quality of evidence on the benefits and harms of HRT varies for different hormone regimens, with a cautious approach recommended to avoid using HRT routinely for the specific purpose of preventing chronic disease in women 1.
• Phytoestrogens, such as those found in soy products, have inconclusive evidence for reducing the risk of osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease 1.
• Yoga may also help survivors manage hot flashes and improve quality of life associated with menopause 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

In patients with primary dysmenorrhea, ibuprofen tablets have been shown to reduce elevated levels of prostaglandin activity in the menstrual fluid and to reduce resting and active intrauterine pressure, as well as the frequency of uterine contractions. For the treatment of dysmenorrhea, beginning with the earliest onset of such pain, ibuprofen tablets should be given in a dose of 400 mg every 4 hours as necessary for the relief of pain. The best ways to manage body aches associated with menopause may include:

• Ibuprofen: 400 mg every 4 hours as necessary for relief of pain, to reduce elevated levels of prostaglandin activity and relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea 2 2
• Acetaminophen: for temporary relief of minor aches and pains, including menstrual cramps 3 Key considerations:
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals
• Do not exceed 3200 mg total daily dose of ibuprofen
• Administer ibuprofen with meals or milk if gastrointestinal complaints occur

From the Research

Management of Body Aches Associated with Menopause

Body aches are a common symptom experienced by women during menopause, and managing them is crucial to improve the quality of life. The following are some ways to manage body aches associated with menopause:

• Physical activity: Studies have shown that physical activity, particularly yoga and aerobic exercise, can help alleviate menopause symptoms, including body aches 4, 5.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT is considered the gold standard for managing vasomotor and vaginal symptoms of menopause, including body aches 6, 7.
• Simple analgesia: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage body aches associated with menopause 8.
• Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help reduce body aches associated with menopause 8, 7.

Types of Physical Activity

Different types of physical activity can help manage body aches associated with menopause, including:

• Yoga: Yoga has been shown to improve physical, urogenital, and total symptoms in women experiencing menopause 4.
• Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on total and vasomotor symptoms in women experiencing menopause 4.
• Moderate physical activity: Moderate physical activity has been associated with reduced psychosocial and physical menopause symptoms in perimenopausal women 5.

Treatment Options

Various treatment options are available for managing body aches associated with menopause, including:

• Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT): MHT is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and other symptoms of the climacteric 7.
• Low-dose vaginal estrogen: Low-dose vaginal estrogen can provide effective therapy for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause 7.
• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help manage genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause 7.