What is the diagnosis and treatment for menopausal rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis during menopause)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 25, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Menopausal rheumatism should be managed with a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications, prioritizing the patient's quality of life and minimizing morbidity and mortality. Menopausal rheumatism refers to joint pain and stiffness that can occur during menopause, though it's not a formal medical diagnosis. Treatment typically includes a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications. Regular exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce pain, as recommended by the 2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of reproductive health in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases 1. Some key points to consider in management include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or naproxen (220-500mg twice daily) can provide relief for acute pain episodes.
  • Applying heat or cold packs to affected joints for 15-20 minutes several times daily may also help.
  • Some women find relief with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which addresses the underlying hormonal changes of menopause, though this should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to potential risks, as noted in the 2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline 1.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints, while a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, nuts, and colorful fruits and vegetables may help manage symptoms.
  • The EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2019 update, suggest that therapy with DMARDs should be started as soon as the diagnosis of RA is made, and treatment should be aimed at reaching a target of sustained remission or low disease activity in every patient 1. These joint symptoms occur because declining estrogen levels during menopause can increase inflammation and affect joint tissue, leading to pain and stiffness. If symptoms persist or significantly impact daily activities, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential for proper evaluation and personalized treatment, as emphasized in the 2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of reproductive health in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases 1.

From the Research

Menopausal Rheumatism

  • Menopausal rheumatism is not directly addressed in the provided studies, however, some studies discuss rheumatoid arthritis and menopausal symptoms separately.
  • A study on integrative non-pharmacological care for individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis 2 suggests that targeting lifestyle modifiable factors such as smoking cessation, dental health, physical activity, and diet may improve RA prognosis.
  • Another study on pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis 3 found that exercise, psychological, educational, and self-management interventions can improve non-inflammatory complaints such as functional disability, pain, and fatigue.
  • A review on the management of menopausal symptoms 4 discusses the efficacy of hormonal and non-hormonal options for treating vasomotor symptoms and genitourinary syndrome of menopause, but does not specifically address menopausal rheumatism.
  • A study on non-pharmacological treatment of pain in rheumatic diseases and other musculoskeletal pain conditions 5 highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, including psychological intervention, physical exercise, patient education, and complementary approaches.
  • A review on non-oestrogen-based and complementary therapies for menopause 6 discusses the use of pharmacological non-hormonal medications and cognitive behavioral therapy for managing vasomotor symptoms and other menopausal symptoms, but does not specifically address menopausal rheumatism.

Related Conditions

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: studies suggest that integrative non-pharmacological care 2 and pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies 3 can improve symptoms and prognosis.
  • Menopausal symptoms: studies suggest that hormonal and non-hormonal options 4 and non-oestrogen-based and complementary therapies 6 can improve symptoms.
  • Musculoskeletal pain conditions: a study suggests that non-pharmacological treatment options 5 can improve pain management.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

6
Research

Non-oestrogen-based and complementary therapies for menopause.

Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 2024

Related Questions

Should a 42-year-old woman with perimenopausal symptoms, including nocturnal hot flashes, undergo hormone level testing?
What treatment options are available for a 74-year-old female experiencing night sweats and hot flashes?
Is amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) effective for managing menopausal symptoms?
What is the ideal medication for a postmenopausal woman with hot flushes, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and diastolic dysfunction who cannot take hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
What could be causing hot flashes in a 40-year-old female with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Hypertension (HTN), normal thyroid function, and regular menstruation?
What is the recommended management for a female patient with a 2-3 mm gallstone (cholelithiasis) discovered incidentally?
What is the likelihood of being contagious with a common cold (upper respiratory tract infection) 4 days after symptom onset, despite some improvement in symptoms?
What is the diagnosis for a 15-year-old patient with a small lump on the lateral aspect of the right lower leg, presenting with subtle soft tissue fullness and mild soft tissue nodularity, but no evidence of osseous destructive lesion, periostitis, fracture, or osteoblastic lesion?
What are the diagnostic criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
What are the causes of oral candidiasis (thrush)?
When to perform a thyroid ultrasound to check for thyroid cancer?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question