Menopause-Related Changes in the Musculoskeletal System, Cartilages and Joints

Abstract

Both cartilage and muscle mass are affected by the advent of the menopause transition and the effect of hypoestrogenism. For a while it was thought that bone only was affected in this way, but infact all connective tissues systems are affected similarly. There is now growing evidence that cartilage (another connective tissue system) is similarly affected. After the menopause, overall intervertebral disc height is reduced in menopausal women. Muscle bulk is similarly affected by the menopause, with a decline in muscle mass and strength occuring after the menopause. There is now an ever growing body of evidence that the menopause introduces a non-age-dependent variable in all forms of connective tissue loss and even muscle bulk and power. With hormone replacement therapy, this loss is limited and in some cases replaced. This highlights the importance of continuing work or the effect of oestrogen deprivation and its replacement and the multisystemic properties of this important class of hormones.