How the Menopause Affects a Runner's Body

In this video, Maryke explains how women's drop in oestrogen during the peri-menopause and menopause affects a runner's bones, muscles, tendons, and joints. She explains how HRT may help and also suggests some alternative things you can do to help reduce the effects the menopause has on your musculoskeletal system.

📚 Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:00 Stages of the menopause
00:03:27 How the menopause affects various body parts
00:26:47 What about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
00:28:23 Alternatives to HRT
00:32:30 How we can help

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[thespacekid]

Dear Marieke,
Thank you for this fantastic clip ! Am a physio myself but in a totally different field. I run and do mountaineering and Yoga, 48, and have been having issues since about a year now with one tendinosis, insertion tenderness, swelling etc. after the other : right TFL, right Achilles tendon, left hamstring muscles – and lately my wrists, right, then left. Physio didn’t help much … That’s when you start thinking, maybe I need a psychiatrist, WTF is going on ?! The pain suddenly triggered memories of similar events during my puberty and I connected the dots, started searching about hormonal change, menopause and stumbled over your video – so helpful ! Just for the reassurance that what’s going on is not ageing or getting neurotic ;-) but has a totally natural, hormonal cause and can be counteracted.
I would be glad if physios and doctors had that in mind instead of handing out the routine exercise sheet and giving no thought to more complex going-ons in a female 45+ years body …

[heatherburkhardt]

This menopause playlist is amazing. Thank you for producing the videos and educating on how to stay active and injury free during this stage of life.

[georginaporter]

I am Peri menopausal and have notice my speed and motivation have dropped. Very informative video thank you. Now I know why am struggling with speed, heaviness and motivation. Thanks brilliant video.

[marinaribeiro]

Hi I'm 46 and in the peri menopause stage I use to be very active work out 4-5days a week but now I find I get injured very easily and I always have to stop exercising for long periods of time the old injuries are also acting up and the weight gain is also an issue can't seem to shed the pounds by exercise and not even when I diet...so I'm riding this wave out trying to maintain the weight I have now.

[wandabarnett]

Thank you so much for putting this video together. Its really helped me to understand what is happening to me this past couple of years and what adjustments I need to make to my routine to feel better.

[janetthoke]

Thank you for this informative video. I'm 54 and have without a menstrual cycle for just about 3 years. I am noticing all these changes now and am trying not to be overcome with frustration.
Your insight in this video is appreciated!

[victoriaparsons]

Thank you for posting this. I’ve been in peri menopause for probably five years or so and my periods recently just stopped. Which seems, according to your video, means I’ve actually entered menopause. I started exercising more intensely a almost four years ago because I was prediabetic. I lost 100 lbs and developed a vigorous exercise routine that helps me keep the weight off. Even through COVID I’ve been able to keep most of it up, but since I went into menopause I am struggling to stay motivated. Do you have any advice on how to stay focused? You mentioned that it becomes harder to deal with stress and I must agree you’re spot on. I’m having a difficult time and think that’s why it’s impacting my motivation. All I want to do is sleep. Sorry if this sounds like I’m whining. I’m just looking for some advice on how to stay motivated and get out of this slump I’m in. Thanks. Vickie

[racheldeville]

Thankyou so much for this, very factual and clear, I got on here from your high hamstring tendinopathy video. Lots of good advice for adapting to change. I think my physio is too young and male, his program isn't working for me... but I don't feel like talking to him about menopause!

[mzyouknowit]

Thankyou I just started experience a lot of pain after exercising and strength training plenty lower back pain this helps I’m in peri menopause

[ingridfuchs]

Thank you! I have been watching lots of your videos and they are very informative. I developed high hamstring tendinopathy and I’m trying to work out how I should adjust my running.

[adrianaespinosa]

Thnk you, this is so helpful. I'm so frustrated, but this gives me some hope.

[debrahall]

Very good info. I’ve had a whole day of your education... ready to mend now from my hamstring pain to my general creeks! ... I’m going to be ‘kinder’ to myself!!

[Dani_Y]

This is awesome! So informative, thank you! :D

[Heilungshilfe]

Collagen supplement helps me recovering from tendinopathy during menopause.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELPFUL VIDEOS!

[joannei.s.]

A great help so definitely subscribing

[janeharris]

Thank you. Why is it so hard to find research on Impact of menopause and training? So few physios address this stage in life and assume a male model. I am post menopause trying to run regularly and need a lot of recovery time so that Y battery doesn't feel completely flat. Thank you for this.

[wendybanks]

I was put on Lupron for chemical menopause due to PMDD. That’s when my lower legs started hurting. The dr then put me on HRT. The leg pain never went away. I had been an avid runner for 5 years prior to Lupron. Six month after being on Lupron I stopped taking it and had a full hysterectomy and was immediately put in HRT. The leg issues never went away. When I start running every thing is fine. When I get to half a mile my shins started hurting, then my calves, then the bottom of my feet. This always last from half a mile to 2.5 miles then it fades away and I can keep running with little to no pain. Has anyone ever heard of this? The doctors just look at me like I’m crazy. This has been going on for over a year now. I’ve tried extra electrolytes, vitamins, pain meds, collagen, nothing has helped. Any advice?

[veganrunner]

What about Soy as estrogen replacement solution and vegan whole food plan based diet? Looking at the research is seems like these have great results

[metugejustine]

Thank you, can you send ur no, u relief is not easy Doctor am really suffering

[margueritevandenberg]

Ek is vyftigjaar oud..Al sewejaar in remiesie na Borskanker waartydens ek Bestraling moes ontvang.Ek het 'n totale Histrektomire ontvang en sit nou ook met hoë Colestrol vlakke.Ek is my lewe lank 'n drawwer maar sukkel nou kort-kort met beserings..My Gluteus spiere is kort kort beseer en ook nou my regterheup wil nou nie meer lekker saamerk om my regterbeen op te tel nie..Sit ook met rugspasmas..Ek trap af en toe op my fiets binneshuis en swem, maar kan nog na vier weke glad ne liggies draf nie. Jammer ek is Afrikaans en kan daarmee beter verduidelik.