Episode 33: Muscular Skeletal Syndrome of Menopause- Why Does Everything Hurt?

Send us Fan Mail Guest: Dr. Heather Killie | Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist Ever wake up feeling like you're 80 years old… even though you're nowhere close? Achy joints, sore muscles, mysterious hip pain, frozen shoulder, or injuries that just won't seem to heal? You're not imagining it. And it might not be just getting older. This week on Faded to Fabulous, Vicki and Kim welcome Dr. Heather Killie, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at New Hampshire Orthopedic Center, to talk about something many women have never even heard of: the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, the changes can affect far more than hot flashes and mood. We're talking muscles, tendons, joints, collagen, and bone health. And for some women, those changes may help explain why everything suddenly seems to hurt. Dr. Killie breaks down the connection between estrogen and musculoskeletal health, why women in midlife may experience more tendon problems and unexplained pain, and what we can actually do about it. And yes, we're talking about strength training. Because apparently, walking five miles a day isn't the whole answer. Who knew?! In This Episode, We Discuss: Why everything hurts: What the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause is and how declining estrogen may contribute to joint pain, muscle aches, and inflammation. Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and hip pain: Why certain tendon conditions become more common in midlife. The estrogen connection: How hormones influence collagen, tendon repair, and musculoskeletal health, and where hormone therapy may help. Muscle loss during menopause: Why maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important as we age. Strength training is non-negotiable: Why resistance training matters for strength, mobility, and long-term independence. Is walking enough? Why cardiovascular exercise is valuable but doesn't replace resistance training. What if exercise hurts? How to recognize the difference between normal soreness and pain that deserves medical attention. Starting small: Why five minutes of movement can be a meaningful first step. Changing the goal: Why being strong enough to get off the floor at 80 matters more than fitting into a smaller pair of jeans. Our Biggest Takeaway It's time to stop looking at exercise solely as a way to lose weight and start thinking about it as an investment in our future selves. We want strong muscles. Healthy bones. Bodies that move. And the independence to keep doing the things we love for decades to come. As Dr. Killie reminds us, strength training isn't about becoming a bodybuilder. It's about staying capable, reducing injury risk, and giving our bodies the support they need through menopause and beyond. And if you're experiencing unexplained aches and pains? Don't automatically dismiss them as aging. Ask questions, talk to your healthcare provider, and explore what might be contributing. You don't have to simply accept feeling miserable as part of getting older. Meet Our Guest Dr. Heather Killie is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at New Hampshire Orthopedic Center. With years of experience treating orthopedic conditions, she has developed a particular interest in the musculoskeletal changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause, as well as bone health. Find Dr. Killie at: New Hampshire Orthopedic Center Website: www.nhoc.com Phone: 603-883-0091 Locations: Nashua, Londonderry, and Windham, NH Coming Up Next We're not done with Dr. Killie yet! She'll be joining us for another episode dedicated to bone health, including why protecting our bones during menopause is so important. Join the Conversation Have you experienced mysterious joint pain, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, or muscle aches since entering perimenopause or menopause? We want to hear about it! Tell us what changed for you and whether you've found anything that helps. Because the more we talk about these experiences, the more women realize they're not alone. Faded to Fabulous — real conversations about midlife, menopause, and everything nobody warned us about. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider about persistent pain, exercise modifications, or hormone therapy. Support the show ✨ Join the Faded to Fabulous Community 💝 Support Our Mission! Click here 🖥️ Website: https://www.fadedtofabulous.biz 📲 Instagram: @fadedtofabulous 📘 Facebook: Faded to Fabulous 🎥 YouTube: Faded to Fabulous This podcast is intended to educate and support women, but it is not a substitute for medical advice. If you're experiencing health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.