World Menopause Day Focuses on Chronic Pain 

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Women’s Clinic Physician Assistant Tracy Jons is raising awareness of menopause and perimenopause following World Menopause Day, observed Oct. 18. 

Jons, who has worked in the clinic for almost 20 years, discussed the transition during an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Pulse.

T. Jons 

According to the International Menopause Society, approximately three in four women experience joint or muscle pain during perimenopause. Jons said perimenopause is a natural phase that takes place prior to menopause when the body begins producing varying amounts of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

These stages can take place at various ages and stages of life for women. Sometimes lasting for up to a decade. Symptoms include brain fog, an increase in sleep issues (not being able to fall asleep, waking up multiple times during the night) and chronic pain. 

Jons said each woman is different, but in many cases fluctuations in hormone levels affect nerve endings, joints and muscles. They also affect how the brain processes pain signals. While these spikes and drops of hormones are taking place, many women deal with poor sleep, low mood and/or hot flushes, making the pain sensation worse.

T. Jons 

The mission behind the awareness day is to help women understand menopause as a normal stage of life while encouraging them to seek individualized support for symptoms affecting their health and daily activities.

Learn more by clicking here. Learn more or schedule an appointment with the Sheridan Memorial Women’s Clinic by clicking here.