Impact of timing of menopause on musculoskeletal disorders and associated pain in community-dwelling women: the Yakumo study.

INTRODUCTION

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause (EM) lead to prolonged estrogen deficiency, which can affect musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and pain, including neuropathic pain. This study investigated the impact of POI/EM on MSDs, pain, and physical function in community-dwelling women.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 172 postmenopausal women who participated in a community-based health checkup in Yakumo town, Japan. Participants were categorized by age at menopause: control (45-50 years, n = 118), POI (< 40 years, n = 19), and EM (40-44 years, n = 35). We evaluated MSDs (knee osteoarthritis, spinal alignment, and osteoporosis), pain (Visual Analogue Scale for low back, lower limb, and knee pain; and painDETECT scores), and physical function (muscle strength, walking ability, locomotive syndrome). Locomotive syndrome was evaluated using the stand-up test, two-step test, and the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25).

RESULTS

The POI group exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and severe knee pain compared to the control and EM groups. The prevalence of neuropathic pain was also significantly higher in the POI group. Regarding physical function, no significant differences were observed in muscle strength or walking ability among the groups. However, the POI group had significantly higher scores on the GLFS-25 pain subscale and total score, indicating worse locomotive function.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with POI had a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis, knee pain, and neuropathic pain. Although objective physical performance was preserved, subjective locomotive function was impaired. Therefore, early therapeutic intervention and a multifaceted approach addressing not only physical function but also pain are necessary for women with POI/EM.