As women approach menopause, many will notice the onset of muscle tension. This is a common menopausal symptom that is a normal part of getting older; however, there are treatments that can help alleviate muscle tension related to menopause. Women between the ages of 45 and 55 begin to experience hormonal fluctuations that pre-empt the eventual low levels of hormones that set in once menopause has been achieved.
Muscle tension during menopause
Muscle tension is a menopausal symptom that is closely related to stress and anxiety. Muscle tension is the feeling that muscles are always tight or strained, sometimes to the point of frequent pain, or even persistent and ongoing pain. One can experience tension, pain or cramps in any of the body’s muscles as a result of muscle tension..
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What causes muscle tension during menopause?
As mentioned above, hormonal imbalance is the primary cause of muscle tension in women approaching menopause. As menopause nears, a woman’s body reacts in many ways. Her hormones, primarily oestrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate as they prepare to settle into low levels for the rest of her life. Both oestrogen and progesterone play a part in causing muscle tension. First, oestrogen exercises an inhibitive effect on the stress-hormone cortisol. When oestrogen is too low, levels of cortisol rise, raising blood pressure and blood sugar. Extended high levels of cortisol in the face of low oestrogen levels causes the muscles in the body to tighten and become fatigued. Progesterone has a calming effect on the body and mind. When levels of progesterone begin to drop prior to menopause, muscles tend to become tense. Other causes: Although hormonal imbalance is the main cause of muscle tension prior to menopause, there are other potential causes. They are:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Past injuries
- Inactivity
- Bad posture.
Source: 34 Menopause Symptoms. 2017. 34 Menopause Symptoms. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/muscle-tension.htm. [Accessed 10 October 2017].
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