If you look at the age and gender distribution of patients with fibromyalgia, you will find that the majority of those affected are female and between 50 and 55 years old. But also in other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, women experience a pain and inflammation flare-up at this age.
In many cases, the reason for this is something quite natural – the perimenopause. This lasts longer than many think, namely 7-14 years, and thus accompanies women for a not inconsiderable period of time. The classic symptoms such as hot flushes and the absence of menstruation are well known.
Menopause and fibromyalgia
However, it is underestimated that the perimenopause causes sleep problems and joint and muscle pain in over 50% of women. In addition, mood swings and a disturbed vegetative nervous system with digestive problems, dry mouth, dizziness etc. can occur. And this already fulfils the criteria for fibromyalgia. For those affected, it is difficult to identify a phase that often lasts over 10 years as the cause of the pain symptoms. They therefore look for other causes such as stress, viral infections (or their vaccination), accidents or other diseases such as arthrosis. Fatigue is exacerbated by reduced sleep quality and thus contributes to fibromyalgia.
Menopause and the immune system
During the menopause there are also changes in the immune system. The drop in oestrogen levels has a pro-inflammatory effect, for example in the form of tendonitis or tennis elbow or bursitis in the shoulder or hip area. This can cause new inflammation, or exacerbate existing inflammation, as in osteoarthritis or disc problems.
How to treat?
Of course, hormone replacement therapy comes to mind first. This can indeed maintain bone density, at least for a time, and in some studies also prevents pain and sleep problems. But beware, it’s not all down to oestrogen. Other hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin also change and affect metabolism. Weight gain and reduced physical activity are classic consequences of the perimenopause. This should be prevented at all costs. After all, symptoms such as chronic fatigue in particular are treated primarily through physical activity and improved sleep. An anti-inflammatory diet is a must in the perimenopause, e.g. through a fibre-rich diet and antioxidants.
Conclusion
Even if it is in the background, pain and fatigue are common during the perimenopause. Discuss the pros and cons of hormone replacement with your gynaecologist. An adapted diet, physical activity and keeping your weight down are an important basis for getting through this transition of the body naturally.