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Pain severity peaks during early menopause and declines postmenopause, with trajectories varying by pain type and comorbidity.

The review found that across five major pain categories (musculoskeletal, urogenital, gastrointestinal, oral/orofacial, and multisite pain), pain severity is commonly reported to peak during early menopause and decline postmenopause. However, trajectories vary by pain type and comorbidity. This pattern was identified from 115 studies published between 2014 and 2024.

Last updated: Jul 10, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Menopause-associated pain: a decade review of patterns, determinants, and research priorities.

observational

Ertmane E, Lulle A · Menopause (New York, N.Y.) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 10 years (2014-2024)
Intervention: N/A (observational review of pain patterns)
Outcome: Pain severity trajectory across menopause transition
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (from 115 included studies)

Result:

PubMed: 42412599DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002842

Mechanism Graph

Endocrine changes during menopause transition
↓
Interaction with comorbidities and psychosocial factors
↓
Modulation by psychological distress, sleep disturbance, BMI, and social determinants
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Result: Peak pain severity in early menopause, decline postmenopause

Limitations

  • ⚠Methodological heterogeneity across included studies limits comparability
  • ⚠Geographic concentration of research limits generalizability to diverse populations

Frequently Asked Questions

When does menopause-associated pain typically peak?▼

Pain severity commonly peaks during early menopause and declines postmenopause, though trajectories vary by pain type and comorbidity.

What are the major categories of menopause-associated pain?▼

The five major pain categories identified are musculoskeletal, urogenital, gastrointestinal, oral/orofacial, and multisite or unspecified pain.

What factors modify pain perception during menopause?▼

Psychological distress, sleep disturbance, body mass index, and social determinants of health consistently modify pain perception and functional impact.

What management strategies showed the most consistent benefits?▼

Exercise-based interventions demonstrated the most consistent functional benefits, while evidence for hormone therapy and complementary approaches was heterogeneous.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Ertmane E, Lulle A. "Menopause-associated pain: a decade review of patterns, determinants, and research priorities.." Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 2026. PMID: 42412599 DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002842
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.