Joint aches and stiffness in perimenopause

Achy joints and muscles are a surprisingly under-reported peri symptom. Estrogen has anti-inflammatory effects, and as it dips, many women feel creaky in ways that have no other explanation.

What helps: strength training (it builds the support around the joint), magnesium, and omega-3s. If aches are new or asymmetric (one joint, swollen or hot), get it checked. But if your knees and hands just complain more than they used to, this stage of life is a very likely culprit.