Why you have aching bones during menopause – and how to check your bone health

Published on 14 July 2026

This transition is driven by a decline in both the number and function of ovarian follicles - tiny fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that release eggs during ovulation and produce key hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. As follicle activity decreases, hormone levels become more erratic and eventually fall.

These hormonal changes lead to irregular or missed periods, reduced fertility and lower oestrogen levels, which can trigger common menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes and aching bones.

Why do I get aching bones during menopause?

Musculoskeletal pain, caused by aching bones in menopause, is a common complaint. Many women describe this pain as deep, dull aches in the hips, back or legs.

It’s largely linked to the drop in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone strength, reducing friction in the joints and regulating inflammation. As levels decline, bones can become less dense, and joints may feel stiffer or more sensitive. Other factors which can contribute to aching bones in menopause include:

Changes in the production of collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body – accounting for about 30% of your total protein. It’s a building block which provides structure, strength and elasticity to your skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as your organs. It’s also found in cartilage where it supports joint cushioning and flexibility.

During the menopause, the drop off in oestrogen production means that the body produces less collagen - and existing collagen breaks down more quickly. Studies have shown that women can lose up to 30% of their collagen in the first five years of menopause. This can lead to reduced skin elasticity (wrinkles and sagging), weaker joints and connective tissue and brittle bones.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone condition that can affect any joint in the body, but the most common areas affected are the knees, hips, ankles and small joints in the hands. Often osteoarthritis symptoms appear in one joint or a few joints at any one time.

Menopause and declining oestrogen levels don’t directly cause osteoarthritis, but it can increase the risk and worsen symptoms. As levels fall during menopause, cartilage can break down more quickly, joints may become less cushioned, and inflammation can increase, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced flexibility.

Reduced muscle mass

Declining oestrogen makes the impact of reduced muscle mass on bones even more significant because it affects both muscle strength and bone resilience at the same time. Lower oestrogen levels contribute to muscle loss and reduced muscle function, meaning there is less support and shock absorption around the joints.

At the same time, oestrogen deficiency causes bones to become less dense and more fragile, so they are less able to withstand stress. This creates a double effect: weaker muscles increase the load placed on bones, while weaker bones are less able to handle that load. Together, this raises the risk of joint strain, pain and fractures during menopause.

Do GLP-1 medications affect bone density?

Current evidence doesn't show a clear link that GLP-1 drugs (including semaglutide such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and liraglutide such as Victoza and Saxenda) directly cause osteoporosis or osteopenia. However, the rapid weight loss associated with these medications may contribute to some loss of bone mineral density in certain people.

How do hormonal changes affect bone density in menopause?

Oestrogen helps maintain a balance between bone breakdown and bone formation. During menopause bone breakdown speeds up, bone-building cells become less active and calcium absorption can decline. As a result, women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in the first five to seven years after menopause. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, which can make you more susceptible to fractures.

What are the early symptoms of bone density loss in menopause?

Bone density loss is often called a ‘silent condition’ because symptoms may not appear until significant loss has occurred. However, early signs can include:

• Persistent bone or joint aches
• Receding gums (linked to bone loss in the jaw)
• Weak or brittle nails
• Loss of height over time
• Subtle changes in posture

Many women only discover bone loss after a minor fracture, such as from a fall or strain.

Does menopause bone pain suggest osteoporosis risk?

Bone pain alone can’t confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis, but it can be a warning sign, especially if combined with risk factors, such as:

• Family history of osteoporosis
• Early menopause (before age 45)
• Low body weight
• Smoking or excessive alcohol use
• Lack of physical activity
• Low calcium or vitamin D intake

Persistent or worsening bone pain should always be discussed with your NHS GP or one of our Private GPs to rule out underlying bone weakening.

How is bone density checked?

Bone density is most commonly measured via a DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). This test:

• Is quick and painless
• Uses very low levels of radiation
• Measures bone strength in areas like the spine and hips
• Provides a T-score, indicating bone health:
  • Normal: above -1
  • Osteopenia: -1 to -2.5
  • Osteoporosis: below -2.5

Can I ask my GP for a DEXA bone density scan during menopause?

Yes, you can ask your NHS GP or one of our private GPs to refer you for a DEXA scan, especially if you’ve experienced early menopause, fractures from minor injuries, symptoms such as unexplained bone pain or have strong risk factors for osteoporosis.

How can I protect my bone density in menopause?

Protecting your bones during menopause is crucial and highly achievable with lifestyle adjustments:

Monitor your nutrition

You should aim for 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium daily from dairy, leafy greens or foods fortified with calcium. Plus, you should ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D, either from sunlight or supplements.

Include exercise in your day

To help protect your bones during menopause, focus on weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running and dancing and include resistance and strength training to build muscle and support your bones.

Change your lifestyle habits

The key to good bone health is to stop smoking, limit alcohol intake and maintain a healthy body weight.

Ask for hormonal support

Menopause treatments such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may help preserve bone density in some women, though you should discuss with your GP or one of our Private GPs.

Next steps if you have aching bones during menopause

If aching bones and joints are becoming a persistent part of your menopause experience, we can help. We take a holistic, expert-led approach to help you feel like yourself again. A good place to start are our Private GPs, who can quickly assess your symptoms and provide advice, medication or a referral to one of our rheumatology, gynaecology, orthopaedic or physiotherapy specialists.

For more information, or to book, contact our Private Patient team by completing our callback form or by calling 01580 363158.