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Joint and muscle pains
Aches, stiffness and tiredness are among the most common menopause symptoms in Malaysian women.
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Common in Malaysian women
Joint pains, lethargy and fatigue are common symptoms in Malaysian women during the menopause transition. A study in an urban setting in Malaysia found joint pains (73%) and fatigue (59.3%) to be the most common symptoms, followed by vasomotor symptoms (55%) such as hot flushes and night sweats.
Losing muscle with age
Around the menopause transition, there is also a natural, age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. From around the age of 30, women slowly lose muscle mass and strength, with up to 50% of muscle mass lost by the age of 80.
Why muscle is lost
Hormone changes with age
Low physical activity
Eating less protein and fewer calories
Increased oxidative stress
Damage to cells from unstable molecules called free radicals.
How it affects daily life
Losing muscle mass can lead to disability and problems with everyday movements, such as:
Getting up from a chair
Climbing steps
Regaining your balance
Steadying yourself after a slip or stumble.
See a doctor if
- your joints are swollen, hot or red
- your joints are stiff for more than about an hour in the morning
- joint pain comes with a fever or weight loss you can't explain
- the pain started after a fall or injury
Keep learning
Osteoporosis
Why bones weaken after menopause, and how to protect them.
Read moreLifestyle changes
Everyday steps that can ease symptoms and protect your health.
Read moreWeight at menopause
Why weight creeps up around the tummy, and why it matters.
Read moreWorried about your symptoms?
Your doctor can help you work out what is going on and talk you through your options.