World Menopause Day
October 18 th is World Menopause Day and it’s always a busy time.
This year I am busier than most. As well as running my menopause clinics I have lots of exciting talks and presentations.
This October I’m training and supporting lots of local NHS Trusts, local organisations and taking part in Menopause Cinema Clinic. After watching a film, I’ll be part of an expert panel and available to answer menopause questions. I’m talking in Ludlow, Shropshire but they will be taking this UK wide! www.mycinemaclinic.com
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Every year the International Menopause Society have a theme. This year’s theme is “Chronic Pain at Midlife”.
Women’s pain has too often been dismissed through gendered stereotypes, and labelled ’emotional’ rather than properly investigated and treated. Chronic pain at midlife should be recognized as a key component of menopause care, requiring gender-sensitive, individualized, and multidisciplinary approaches, alongside further research to address gaps in knowledge and care.
Prof. Rossella Nappi, IMS President
Does Pain seem to affect more of your life than it used to?
Your joints, pelvic pain, increased headaches/migraines?
What you need to know.
Chronic Pain is common during midlife, especially around the menopause.
Multiple types of pain at the same time ie different muscular skeletal pain, headaches and tiredness.
This often leads you buying more over the counter medications but are they getting to the root cause of the pain?
You’re GP surgery may arrange investigations and scans which are often normal.
When results are normal how are you left feeling?
These pains are real and if you have a Neurodivergence the pains maybe more intense and difficult to understand.
Did you know….
Women are up to 70% more likely than men to experience chronic pain.
Almost 3 in 4 women experience joint and muscular pains during perimenopause.
Fibromyalgia is around 3 times more common in women than men.
Migraine is a leading cause of disability in women aged 15-49.
Ref: International Menopause Society 2026.
Most Common Pains and Treatments.
Joint and Muscle Aches, Stiffness and Pain.
This is one of the most common symptoms I see. Most women are often self-medicating. I understand how low Oestrogen impacts your muscles and joints. The right medical advice, explanation and correct dose of HRT can vastly improve this. I have seen this happen many times. Tailored HRT means women can stop taking prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Women tell me the HRT I’ve prescribed has changed their lives. They can go to the gym again, run, walk around the shops and carry shopping bags.
Migraines
Migraines are very debilitating affecting your working and personal life. During perimenopause when hormones change, they can often increase in severity and frequency. We know there are many causes to migraines, and we need to understand and treat these causes. Have you been told you can’t have HRT because of your migraines? I prescribed tailored HRT for many women who have chronic migraines. The correct dose, prescribed in the right way does reduce migraine.
Pelvic Pain
This can include period-type pains, that continue after your periods have stopped. Some women experience bladder pain and issues or pain after intercourse. There are many causes to this and it’s important we find out why. Investigations will help us understand the cause. It maybe Adenomyosis, Endometriosis an infection or something else. Pelvic Pain is common and can be treated.
Multiple Pains and Fatigue
Widespread body pain is very common during the menopause. Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed and can be associated with a Neurodivergence such as ADHD. Low hormones cause stiffness, pains and swelling but there could be other causes too. Talking to healthcare professionals who understand Menopause and can refer you to other specialist services such as Physiotherapists can really help. HRT can greatly improve your total body pains and fatigue.
What Helps?
Movement, stretching, weight bearing exercises/strength training.
Improving your sleep by reducing your body pains means you will cope
better.
Be careful with online “miracle fixes. Many supplements and detox
products for menopause are not well supported by research. Before
spending a lot of money talk to your health provider.
HRT
Physiotherapy.
Talking Therapies.
What Should I Watch For?
Talk to your GP surgery if pains and symptoms persist or worsen.
You have more questions.
Everything you’ve been advised isn’t helping.
If you feel your pain isn’t being taken seriously.
Always talk to medically trained healthcare professionals about your health.
As a British Menopause Society Registered Menopause Specialist and Senior Nurse Practitioner I have nearly 40 years of clinical training and experience. Let me help you.
I’ll advise you about your pain, HRT, menopausal symptoms, HRT and your health.
To book a consultation please go to
https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2026/
(accessed 25/10/26).
