Preparing Your Muscles, Tendons & Bones for Menopause with Dr. Vonda Wright

The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause affects 80% of women, manifesting as systemic inflammation, joint pain, and rapid degradation of bone and muscle mass due to declining estradiol levels. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright highlights that these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed, leaving women feeling dismissed by clinicians who lack menopause literacy. To mitigate these effects, women should adopt an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and prioritize heavy resistance training—specifically compound movements like squats and deadlifts—to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell reproduction. Beyond strength, maintaining joint health requires targeted stability work and balance training to counteract age-related neuromuscular decline. By proactively managing metabolic and physical health through informed, science-backed interventions, women can navigate the perimenopausal transition with greater resilience and avoid the common pitfalls of sedentary aging.