Joint and muscle pain, not hot flushes, are the most common symptom of menopause among women in Singapore

by | Jan 15, 2024 | Muscle Pain | 0 comments

A recent study conducted by the Integrated Women’s Health Programme (IWHP) at the National University Hospital (NUH) and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), has challenged common perceptions about menopausal symptoms among women in Singapore.

Key Findings:

  1. Prevalence of Menopausal Joint Pain:
    • Aches and pain in the muscles and joints were identified as the most common menopausal complaint among women in Singapore.
    • Approximately 30 to 40 percent of women reported experiencing joint and muscular discomfort during menopause.
  2. Arthralgia Impact:
    • Menopausal joint pain, known as arthralgia, had a moderate or severe impact on one-third of midlife women participating in the studies.
  3. Recognition Gap:
    • Despite its prevalence, menopausal joint pain often goes unrecognized by doctors, who may misdiagnose it as wear and tear due to overuse or aging.

Study Details:

  1. Participant Demographics:
    • The studies focused on Chinese, Malay, and Indian women, representing the three main ethnic groups in Singapore.
  2. Symptom Ranking:
    • Joint and muscular discomfort ranked as the most reported symptom, affecting 62.5 percent of 1,054 Singaporean women surveyed.
    • Other reported symptoms included sleep problems (27.5 percent), vaginal dryness (20.3 percent), mental and physical exhaustion (19.6 percent), and hot flushes (18.6 percent).
  3. Severity of Joint Pain:
    • About 30 to 40 percent of women reported experiencing very severe joint or muscular discomfort.

Clinical Implications:

  1. Diagnostic Challenges:
    • The findings highlight the diagnostic challenge associated with menopausal joint pain and the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals.
  2. Potential for Misdiagnosis:
    • Menopausal joint pain is often misdiagnosed, and recognizing it as a distinct symptom can contribute to more accurate assessments and tailored interventions.
  3. Importance of Addressing Joint Pain:
    • Acknowledging and addressing menopausal joint pain is crucial for enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life of women experiencing this symptom.

In conclusion, the study challenges conventional perceptions by placing menopausal joint pain at the forefront of menopausal symptoms in Singaporean women, emphasizing the need for improved recognition and management in healthcare practices.