Medically reviewed by M. Thurairaj, Registered physiotherapist. · Last reviewed June 2026.
Common physical changes
Some women experience more joint and muscle aches, stiffness, and changes to sleep and energy around menopause. Poor sleep can make aches and stress feel worse, and it all interacts. These experiences vary a lot from person to person. Your doctor can discuss what is happening and the options available, which is the right starting point for managing menopause itself.
Supportive self-care
Staying active, which supports joints, mood, sleep and bone health, protecting sleep with good habits, and managing stress all help wellbeing through this stage. Strength and weight-bearing activity are particularly valuable for bones and muscles. These general healthy habits, alongside your doctor guidance, make a real difference to how you feel day to day.
Where massage can help
A relaxing massage may ease muscular aches and tension and help with relaxation and a sense of calm, which some women find a welcome comfort during this stage. It is supportive self-care, not a treatment for menopause itself, which your doctor manages. If you have new or significant symptoms, or aches that concern you, it is always worth discussing them with your doctor.
Key takeaways
- Menopause can bring aches, stiffness and disrupted sleep
- Your doctor is the right person to manage it
- Activity, sleep and stress management support wellbeing
- Massage is comforting self-care, not a menopause treatment
Frequently asked questions
Can menopause cause more aches and stiffness?
Some women notice more joint and muscle aches, stiffness and disrupted sleep around menopause, though it varies. Your doctor can discuss what is happening and the options.
Can massage help menopause symptoms?
It may ease muscular aches and tension and support relaxation as comforting self-care, but it is not a treatment for menopause itself, which your doctor manages.