How can I tell if I'm developing arthritis or musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause?
Ask the doctor
- Reviewed by Deborah Kwolek, MD, FACP, FAMWA, MSCP, Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
With menopause approaching, I'm noticing more joint aches. How can I tell whether they're due to osteoarthritis or  musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause?On the other hand, musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause typically begins in the years before menopause - earlier than most cases of osteoarthritis. It's usually also joined by other menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and brain fog. Unlike osteoarthritis, pain and achiness from musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause typically occur in multiple joints (and muscles) at once, or float around. There's usually no joint swelling, either.
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About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Deborah Kwolek, MD, FACP, FAMWA, MSCP, Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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