Menopause and Chronic Pain at Midlife

October is Menopause Awareness Month, with World Menopause Day taking place on 18 October. The International Menopause Society has chosen Chronic Pain at Midlife as the theme for World Menopause Day 2026: 

Chronic pain can be a significant issue during and after the menopause transition, but it can sometimes be underestimated or overlooked. 

For some people, existing pain or health conditions may become more difficult to manage during midlife. Others may experience new or changing symptoms. Whatever the experience, persistent pain is real and deserves to be listened to, investigated and appropriately supported. 

Understanding chronic pain 

Chronic pain is generally understood as pain that persists for three months or longer. Its impact can extend beyond the pain itself, affecting everyday life, including sleep, movement, concentration, energy, wellbeing and work. 

Experiences vary considerably. Pain may be persistent or may fluctuate, with periods when symptoms become more difficult to manage. Some people may also be managing more than one health condition at the same time. 

Watch: Understanding Chronic Pain in MidLife: HenPicked 

Read: WMD 2026 - 5-minute guide - Understanding chronic pain in midlife 

Read: Chronic Pain at Midlife - FactSheet 

The International Menopause Society has published a White Paper and accessible resources to support better recognition and care around chronic pain at midlife. 

Read: International Menopause Society White Paper Chronic pain at midlife  

Chronic pain and menopause 

Pain during midlife can have many different causes, and it is important not to assume that every new or changing symptom is caused by menopause. It may show up as more than one type of pain at once - for example, joint pain and migraine together, or pelvic pain and tiredness. This pain is real. It has physical causes, even when scans or blood tests look normal and there is often no single fix. But there are things that can help. 

Joint and muscle pain 

Joint and muscle symptoms can occur during perimenopause and menopause. Pain or stiffness may affect different areas of the body and, for some people, can have a significant impact on everyday activities. 

However, persistent or worsening pain can have causes unrelated to menopause, including arthritis, previous injuries and other musculoskeletal or inflammatory conditions. New, severe or persistent symptoms should be discussed with a GP or healthcare professional. 

Watch: Joint Pain & Menopause Video - HenPicked 

Migraine 

For some people, migraine patterns can change around perimenopause and menopause as hormone levels fluctuate. This can mean changes in the frequency or severity of migraine. 

Watch:  Migraine & Menopause Video - HenPicked  

Pelvic pain 

Pelvic pain can have several causes and may include persistent or recurring discomfort in the pelvic area. Changes associated with menopause can also affect pelvic and urinary health. 

Persistent, unexplained or changing pelvic pain should not simply be assumed to be part of menopause. Speak to a GP or healthcare professional for advice. 

Widespread pain and fatigue 

Some people experience pain across several areas of the body together with symptoms such as fatigue, disrupted sleep or difficulty concentrating. Conditions such as fibromyalgia may be associated with this pattern of symptoms. 

Watch: When menopause overlaps with other health conditions -HenPicked 

Looking after yourself 

There is no single approach that will work for everyone. The right support will depend on you, your symptoms and other health conditions and the impact these are having. 

Some approaches that may help include: 

Movement and physical activity, including strength-based activity appropriate to your circumstances. 

Sleep and stress management, recognising that pain and poor sleep can affect each other. 

Physiotherapy, which may be helpful for some joint, muscle or pelvic pain. 

Talking therapies, including CBT, which can support people in managing the wider impact of persistent pain. 

Medication or menopause treatment ( HRT), where clinically appropriate and following discussion with a healthcare professional. 

Be cautious about products promoted online as a quick or "miracle" solution for menopause-related pain. If you are considering supplements, alternative treatments or significant changes to treatment, it is sensible to discuss these with an appropriate healthcare professional. 

When to seek medical advice 

You know your body best. Consider speaking to your GP or another healthcare professional if: 

• pain is new, persistent, worsening or has changed in a way that concerns you 

• pain is affecting your sleep, work, movement or everyday activities 

• your symptoms are having a significant impact on your wellbeing 

• you are concerned that your pain or other symptoms have not been fully understood. 

You do not need to manage this alone. Seeking advice can help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and what treatment or support may be appropriate. 

Support at the University 

We are continuing to develop our approach to menstrual health and menopause, with a focus on providing colleagues with accessible information, practical workplace support and clear routes to relevant University resources. 

We would also like to remind colleagues of the support already available: 

Our  Occupational Health Service provides confidential advice and support to help colleagues manage their health and wellbeing at work. 

The HealthHero Assist Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential and independent counselling and information service. Support is free and confidential. 

Physical and social wellbeing Looking after your physical and social wellbeing can be an important part of managing menstrual health, perimenopause and menopause. Explore the University’s wellbeing resources and opportunities to find activities and support that work for you. 

Menopause Support Group 
If you haven’t already, please consider joining our Menopause Support Group. It provides a welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions and support one another. 

We would also love to hear about any practical or lifestyle approaches that have helped you or someone you know. Sharing experiences and ideas may help other colleagues find something that works for them. 

To join the Menopause Support Group, please email Kathryn Bradley at Kathryn.bradley@manchester.ac.uk, who can add you to the group through the Health Networks on Teams.