Spotlight on Menopause

When shoulder pain isn't "just getting older"

Most women have heard about hot flashes and night sweats, but far fewer know that menopause may also be associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions such as frozen shoulder.

According to recent media reports, actress Penélope Cruz recently spoke about her own experience with hormonal changes during perimenopause and highlighted frozen shoulder as one of the symptoms many women don't expect. Her comments have sparked wider conversations about the many ways menopause can affect the body beyond the symptoms most people recognize. 

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a gradual loss of movement in the shoulder joint. Everyday activities such as reaching overhead, fastening a bra, getting dressed, or sleeping comfortably may become increasingly difficult.

The condition usually develops gradually and often progresses through three stages:

• Freezing: increasing pain and reduced movement 
• Frozen: stiffness becomes more noticeable while pain may lessen 
• Thawing: shoulder movement gradually improves 
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Recovery often takes many months and, in some cases, more than a year. 

Researchers continue to study the relationship between menopause and frozen shoulder. While menopause is not thought to directly cause the condition, frozen shoulder is considerably more common in women between 40 and 60 years of age, the same years many women experience perimenopause and menopause.

Experts believe declining estrogen may influence connective tissues, inflammation, and joint health, potentially contributing to an increased risk in some women. Other factors, including diabetes, thyroid disease, previous shoulder injury, and prolonged shoulder immobility, may also increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder. 

Because frozen shoulder often develops gradually, many women assume they have simply slept awkwardly or strained a muscle.

If shoulder pain persists, movement becomes increasingly restricted, or everyday activities become difficult, it's important to seek medical assessment. Early diagnosis can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle stretching and physical therapy 

• Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications 

• Corticosteroid injections in selected cases 

• Addressing underlying medical conditions 

• Discussing menopause management with a healthcare provider where appropriate 

Treatment is individualized and depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. 

Penélope Cruz's willingness to discuss a lesser-known menopause-related issue helps broaden public understanding of what women may experience during midlife.

While every woman experiences menopause differently, greater awareness means women are more likely to recognise unexpected symptoms, seek appropriate care, and realise they are not alone.

Sometimes the most valuable conversations are the ones that remind us menopause can affect far more than hot flashes.

Many women don't begin thinking about menopause until symptoms appear. But growing awareness is shifting the conversation from simply managing symptoms to preparing for this important stage of life before it begins.

While every woman's experience is different, the health habits developed during your 40s, and even earlier, can influence how you feel during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

Perimenopause often begins several years before the final menstrual period. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, and symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, brain fog, and irregular periods may gradually develop.

Although menopause cannot be prevented, building healthy habits may help support overall well-being and reduce the impact of some symptoms.

Regular exercise supports heart health, bone strength, muscle mass, mood, and healthy weight management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, together with strength training on two or more days.

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides important nutrients for long-term health. Calcium, vitamin D, adequate protein, and fiber become especially important during midlife.

Sleep often becomes more challenging during perimenopause. Establishing good sleep habits before symptoms become disruptive may help improve sleep quality over time.

Chronic stress may worsen menopause symptoms for some women. Regular relaxation, mindfulness, hobbies, social connections, and physical activity all contribute to emotional well-being.

Midlife is an excellent time to review blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, vaccinations, cancer screening, and bone health with your healthcare provider.

Preparing is about healthy ageing

Preparing for menopause isn't about fearing what's ahead; it's about investing in your future health.

Many of the habits that support menopause also reduce the long-term risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and other age-related conditions.

Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, menopause can be viewed as an opportunity to build lifelong habits that support healthy ageing.

Small changes made today may have lasting benefits for years to come.

When most people think of menopause, symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes usually come to mind. But many women experience a range of lesser-known symptoms that often go unrecognized or are mistaken for unrelated health conditions.

Recent media reports highlighting these "hidden" menopause symptoms are helping raise awareness that menopause affects far more than reproductive health. Hormonal changes influence almost every system in the body, including the eyes, skin, joints, bladder, digestive system, and brain.

Estrogen receptors are found throughout the body, which is why changing hormone levels can lead to such a wide variety of symptoms.

While every woman's experience is unique, some lesser-known menopause symptoms include:

• Dry eyes
• Burning mouth
• Itchy skin
• Tingling sensations
• Changes in body odor
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Joint and muscle aches
• Electric shock sensations

Many of these symptoms improve over time or can be managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.

One of the least recognized menopause symptoms is dry eye disease.

Hormonal changes can affect the glands that produce the oily layer of tears, causing tears to evaporate more quickly. Women may experience:

• Dryness
• Burning or stinging
• Grittiness
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity

Recent research has shown that dry eye disease is more common after menopause and often goes undiagnosed because many women don't realize it may be linked to hormonal changes.

Simple measures such as preservative-free artificial tears, taking regular screen breaks, staying hydrated, using warm compresses, and seeking advice from an eye care professional can often help relieve symptoms.

Many women spend months, or even years, searching for explanations for symptoms they never thought could be related to menopause.

Recognizing that menopause affects the whole body can reduce unnecessary worry, encourage earlier conversations with healthcare providers, and help women access appropriate support.

No woman should feel that her symptoms are "all in her head" simply because they aren't widely discussed.

Some women experience only a few symptoms, while others notice changes affecting multiple areas of their health and wellbeing.

Understanding the full range of possible menopause symptoms helps women feel more prepared and reassured. Most importantly, it reminds us that menopause is a whole-body transition, not just a reproductive one.

The more we talk openly about menopause, including the symptoms that are less often discussed, the easier it becomes for women to recognize changes, seek help when needed, and navigate this stage of life with confidence.

Despite affecting half the population, menopause remains surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Outdated information, conflicting advice on social media, and years of limited discussion have left many women unsure what to believe.

Recent media reports highlighting common menopause myths serve as an important reminder that understanding the facts can help women feel more prepared, make informed healthcare decisions, and navigate this stage of life with greater confidence.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every woman reaches menopause at a specific age.

In reality, every menopause journey is different. While the average age of menopause is around 51–52 years, perimenopause can begin several years earlier, and the timing varies widely from person to person.

Understanding that symptoms may begin long before periods stop can help women recognize changes earlier and seek support when needed.

Declining estrogen levels can contribute to vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and changes in libido. However, menopause does not signal the end of intimacy.

Many effective treatments, including vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, vaginal estrogen, menopausal hormone therapy (when appropriate), and open communication with healthcare providers and partners, can help women maintain a satisfying sex life.

Although fertility declines with age, pregnancy remains possible until menopause has been reached, defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Women who do not wish to become pregnant should continue using contraception until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.

Many women believe a simple blood test can confirm whether they are in perimenopause.

For most women, this isn't necessary. Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menopause transition, making a single blood test unreliable. Healthcare providers usually diagnose perimenopause based on symptoms, menstrual history, and age, using blood tests only in specific situations.

The growing menopause market has led to countless supplements claiming to "balance hormones" or eliminate menopause symptoms.

While some supplements may help certain women, there is currently no supplement that cures menopause. Women should be cautious of products making unrealistic claims and discuss supplements with their healthcare provider before starting them.

Many women notice changes in body shape during midlife, particularly increased abdominal fat.

While hormonal changes influence where fat is stored, research suggests that aging, reduced muscle mass, and lifestyle factors play a larger role in overall weight gain than menopause itself. Regular physical activity, strength training, balanced nutrition, and good sleep remain the most effective long-term strategies.

Misconceptions about menopause can delay diagnosis, discourage women from seeking treatment, or create unnecessary fear about what lies ahead.

The good news is that menopause is increasingly being discussed openly by healthcare professionals, researchers, employers, and public figures. As awareness grows, women have access to more evidence-based information than ever before.

Understanding the facts allows women to make informed decisions about their health and recognize that menopause is a natural life transition—not something to fear.

Knowledge replaces uncertainty with confidence, helping women approach menopause with greater understanding, support, and optimism.

For many women, one of the most surprising parts of menopause isn't the hot flashes or night sweats, it's what seems to happen to their brain.

Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, losing track of conversations, struggling to find the right words, or feeling mentally "foggy" are among the most commonly reported symptoms during the menopause transition. These experiences can be frustrating and, for some women, even frightening.

The reassuring news is that these symptoms are common, and growing research suggests they are linked to the hormonal changes occurring in the brain during menopause.

Although menopause is often associated with the ovaries and reproductive system, estrogen also plays an important role in the brain. Estrogen helps support communication between brain cells, influences memory and attention, and affects mood, sleep, and energy.

As estrogen levels fluctuate and eventually decline, the brain undergoes its own period of adaptation. This may contribute to symptoms such as:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Brain fog
• Mood changes
• Poor sleep
• Reduced mental clarity

For many women, these symptoms improve as the brain adjusts after the menopause transition.

Recent brain imaging studies have shown that menopause is associated with temporary changes in brain structure, metabolism, and the way different regions of the brain communicate. Encouragingly, researchers have also found evidence that the brain continues to adapt after menopause, suggesting these changes are part of a natural transition rather than a permanent decline.

These findings help explain why many women experience cognitive symptoms during midlife and reinforce that menopause is not simply a reproductive event; it is also a neurological transition.

While there is no single solution for brain fog, healthy lifestyle habits may help support brain health during midlife.

Simple strategies include:

• Prioritizing good-quality sleep
• Staying physically active
• Following a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Challenging your brain through learning and social engagement
• Managing stress
• Speaking with a healthcare provider if symptoms become severe or interfere with daily life

Experiencing brain fog during menopause does not mean you are losing your intelligence or developing dementia. For most women, these changes are temporary and improve over time.

Understanding that menopause affects the brain can replace fear with reassurance. As research continues to uncover how the brain adapts during this life stage, women are gaining a clearer picture of what they are experiencing and why.

Menopause is not simply a hormonal transition. It is also a neurological one, reminding us that caring for brain health is just as important as caring for the rest of our body.

 If brain fog is affecting your daily life, explore our Understanding and Managing Brain Fog guide for practical strategies and evidence-based approaches that may help support memory, focus, and cognitive wellbeing during menopause.

Menopause affects every woman differently, but one experience many share is feeling that their body is changing in ways they can no longer control. Music icon Shania Twain recently spoke publicly about her menopause journey, sharing how it challenged her relationship with her body and ultimately led her to embrace greater self-acceptance.

Twain described struggling with body image during her Las Vegas residency, feeling frustrated by bloating and the physical changes that accompanied menopause. In an effort to stay thinner, she admitted to adopting unhealthy habits that eventually led to malnourishment and injury. Looking back, she said the experience forced her to rethink how she viewed herself and her health.

Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and brain fog often dominate discussions about menopause, but emotional wellbeing and body confidence can be just as important.

Hormonal changes, shifts in body composition, and metabolic changes are common during midlife. Many women notice weight redistribution, bloating, or find it harder to maintain the same body shape despite unchanged habits. These changes can affect confidence and self-esteem and may lead some women to feel frustrated or disconnected from their bodies.

At the same time, menopause often coincides with other major life changes, including children leaving home, caring for aging parents, career transitions, or retirement planning. Together, these physical and emotional changes can influence how women see themselves and their place in the world.

By speaking openly about her experience, Twain is helping normalize conversations that many women have privately but rarely discuss publicly. Her story reminds us that menopause is about more than managing symptoms; it is also about adapting to change with resilience and self-compassion.

Twain has shared that menopause ultimately taught her to stop chasing unrealistic expectations and begin appreciating her body for what it allows her to do rather than how it looks. She now views this stage of life as an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-acceptance.

Her message is an important reminder that menopause is neither a personal failure nor something to be hidden. It is a natural life transition that deserves understanding, support, and compassion.

In a world that often celebrates youth and unrealistic beauty standards, many women feel pressure to maintain the same appearance throughout life. Menopause offers an opportunity to shift that perspective, focusing instead on health, strength, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Self-care during menopause is not about striving for perfection but about supporting both physical and emotional health.

While healthy nutrition and regular physical activity remain important for long-term wellbeing, menopause is also a time to be kind to yourself. Focusing on strength, health, and quality of life rather than unrealistic ideals can help women navigate this transition with greater confidence.

The more public figures speak openly about menopause, the more they help reduce stigma and encourage women to seek information, support, and healthcare when they need it. Open conversations also reassure women that they are not alone and that many of the changes they experience are a normal part of this life stage.

Sometimes the most powerful message is simply this: your changing body is still worthy of care, respect, and appreciation. Menopause is not about losing who you are; it is about embracing a new chapter with knowledge, confidence, and self-compassion.

This Spotlight article is based on publicly available news reports and has been summarized for educational purposes. Readers interested in the original news coverage can view the source article below. 

When most people think about menopause, symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, and sleep problems often come to mind. Yet one of the most significant changes taking place during this stage of life may be invisible: an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women worldwide, but many women are unaware that the menopause transition is associated with changes that can affect long-term heart health. As estrogen levels decline, changes occur throughout the cardiovascular system, influencing blood vessel function, cholesterol levels, metabolism, body fat distribution, and inflammation. Together, these changes can contribute to a gradual increase in the risk of heart attack and stroke as women age.

Importantly, menopause itself is not a disease, nor does it guarantee heart problems. Rather, it represents a valuable opportunity to reassess health habits and take proactive steps that can have lifelong benefits.

Estrogen plays many important roles beyond reproduction. It helps maintain healthy blood vessel function, supports favorable cholesterol levels, and influences how the body regulates blood sugar and stores fat.

As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause:

• LDL ("bad") cholesterol often increases.
• HDL ("good") cholesterol may decrease or become less protective.
• Blood vessels may become less flexible.
• Blood pressure can rise.
• Fat is more likely to accumulate around the abdomen.
• Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome become more common.

These changes occur alongside the normal aging process and may accelerate cardiovascular risk during midlife.

Heart disease in women does not always present with the classic crushing chest pain often portrayed in movies.

Women may instead experience symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Unusual fatigue
• Pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder, or back
• Nausea or indigestion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pressure or discomfort rather than severe pain

Because these symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for menopause-related changes, women may delay seeking medical attention. Recognizing potential warning signs and discussing concerns with a healthcare provider is essential.

Midlife is the perfect time for prevention

The menopause transition provides an opportunity to review cardiovascular risk factors and adopt healthy habits that support long-term wellbeing.

Simple lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, combined with strength training on two or more days. Regular physical activity supports heart health, maintains muscle mass, improves cholesterol levels, and helps manage weight.

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats may help reduce cardiovascular risk. Replacing some animal protein with plant-based protein may also support healthy weight management and metabolic health.

Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and waist circumference can help identify problems early, when interventions are often most effective.

Poor sleep and chronic stress are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Good sleep hygiene, stress reduction techniques, mindfulness, and regular exercise may all contribute to better heart health.

Smoking significantly increases cardiovascular risk, particularly after menopause. Quitting smoking remains one of the most important steps a woman can take to protect her long-term health.

Absolutely.

Midlife is an ideal time to discuss cardiovascular risk with a healthcare provider, especially if there is a family history of heart disease or if other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or elevated cholesterol are present.

Routine preventive care can help identify concerns before symptoms develop and allow for personalized strategies to reduce long-term risk.

Managing hot flashes and sleep disturbances is important, but menopause is also an opportunity to focus on healthy aging.

Looking after your heart through regular exercise, nutritious eating, preventive screening, and healthy lifestyle choices may not only reduce cardiovascular risk but also improve energy levels, physical function, and overall quality of life.

The menopause transition marks a new chapter, not just in reproductive health, but in long-term wellbeing. By making heart health a priority today, women can take meaningful steps toward a healthier future.

✓ Stay physically active

✓ Eat a heart-healthy diet

✓ Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels

✓ Maintain a healthy weight

✓ Don't smoke

✓ Prioritize sleep and stress management

✓ Speak with your healthcare provider about your cardiovascular risk

For many women, perimenopause arrives during one of the busiest and most important stages of their professional lives. Often beginning in the 40s, and sometimes earlier, it can coincide with career progression, leadership responsibilities, caring for children or aging parents, and increasing workplace demands.

Yet many women find themselves struggling with symptoms they never expected.

Brain fog, poor concentration, sleep disruption, anxiety, fatigue, hot flashes, and memory lapses can make everyday tasks more difficult. Meetings become harder to follow, presentations require greater effort, and confidence can begin to erode.

While hot flashes are often considered the hallmark symptom of menopause, many women report that cognitive and emotional symptoms have the greatest impact on their working lives.

Poor sleep may lead to exhaustion and reduced productivity. Brain fog can make it difficult to recall information or process complex tasks. Anxiety and mood changes may affect communication and confidence, particularly in leadership roles.

For women who have always been high performers, these unexpected changes can be distressing.

Many women silently question their abilities when symptoms begin to interfere with work.

Some reduce their hours, turn down promotions, avoid leadership opportunities, or even leave the workforce altogether because they no longer feel capable of meeting expectations.

Without understanding that hormonal changes may be contributing to these symptoms, women may wrongly believe they are "losing their edge" or that their careers are coming to an end.

The consequences can be significant, not only for individuals but also for employers who risk losing experienced, knowledgeable employees at the height of their careers.

Unlike many other health conditions, menopause is still rarely discussed in the workplace.

Many women fear being judged as less capable or worry that speaking openly about symptoms could negatively affect career progression.

As a result, they continue working while managing symptoms in silence.

Fortunately, awareness is beginning to grow. More organizations are introducing menopause policies, manager education, flexible working arrangements, and wellbeing initiatives designed to better support employees during this life stage.

Simple workplace adjustments can make a meaningful difference.

Flexible schedules, access to cooler workspaces, understanding managers, hybrid working options, and open conversations can help women remain productive and confident while managing symptoms.

Education is equally important. When women recognize that symptoms such as brain fog, sleep disruption, anxiety, and fatigue may be related to perimenopause, they are better equipped to seek support and discuss treatment options with their healthcare provider.

Perimenopause should not derail a successful career.

With greater awareness, supportive workplaces, and access to evidence-based information, women can continue to thrive professionally while navigating this natural life transition.

Bringing menopause into the spotlight is not simply about raising awareness; it is about ensuring that millions of experienced women are able to continue contributing their skills, leadership, and expertise without unnecessary barriers.

Women's health received a major boost this year as philanthropist and women's health advocate Melinda French Gates announced $215 million in new funding focused on women's health initiatives.

The investment is part of a broader effort to address longstanding gaps in women's healthcare, research, and education. Despite affecting roughly half the population, many women's health conditions remain underfunded and understudied compared with other areas of medicine. Menopause, in particular, has historically received limited research attention, leaving many women without adequate information, support, or access to trained healthcare professionals.

Among the recipients is The Menopause Society, which received funding to help improve menopause care and expand access to healthcare professionals trained in menopause management. The funding is expected to support education, awareness, and efforts to improve the quality of care available to women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

French Gates has spoken openly about the need to bring greater attention to women's health across all stages of life, including midlife and menopause. In discussing the challenges facing women's health research, she noted that society still has much to learn about menopause and how hormonal changes affect women during this phase of life.

The investment reflects growing recognition that menopause is not simply a natural life transition but an important health issue that can affect physical, emotional, cognitive, and long-term well-being. Increased funding for research, education, and healthcare access could help ensure that more women receive evidence-based information and appropriate care during the menopause transition and beyond.

This summary (posted June 5, 2026) is based on reporting by Laura Trujillo for USA TODAY, published on MSN.com on June 4, 2026.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has once again helped bring national attention to menopause by speaking openly about her own experiences with hot flashes, night sweats, weight changes, and hormone therapy.

In recent interviews and podcast discussions, Obama described experiencing intense hot flashes, including one memorable episode aboard Marine One, as well as night sweats that began earlier than many women might expect. She also discussed the gradual weight changes that can occur during perimenopause and menopause, highlighting challenges shared by millions of women.

Obama also spoke about her decision to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT), noting that evolving research has changed how many healthcare professionals view menopause treatment. Hormone therapy is considered one treatment option for women experiencing moderate to severe menopause symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats. However, treatment decisions are highly individual and should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.

Current medical guidance suggests that hormone therapy may provide significant benefits for some women when started at the appropriate time and after careful evaluation of personal health history and risk factors.

Michelle Obama's willingness to discuss menopause publicly helps normalize conversations about a life stage that has historically received far too little attention. Her openness encourages women to seek information, ask questions, and explore treatment options with their healthcare providers rather than suffering in silence.

This summary is based on reporting by Samantha Agate (May 15, 2026) for Us Weekly and related coverage.