I was dancing in my kitchen the other day to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper when my knees decided to remind me that 1984 was, in fact, quite a while ago. I was enjoying the music, feeling young and free, arms in the air and trying to stir a stew at the same time when menopause joint pain decided to joint the party. My children came begging me to stop my dance moves, because according to them, it was too embarrassing. After a while my knees started creaking and complaining, so, against my will, I had to stop. My soul is always ready to dance, but my joints do not share the same enthusiasm—I guess that’s what you get after years of dancing in heels, jumping around, and, of course, the lovely addition of menopause deciding to be part of the fun too.
Inside, I’m still that carefree 20-something who could dance all night in heels that would terrify me now—losing track of time with my friends on the dance floor. Looking back, those memories just make me smile. There was this sense of freedom, like nothing else mattered in that moment and tomorrow was so far away. These days, at 54, my playlist is as nostalgic and fun as ever, but my body keeps reminding me that high heels and marathon dance sessions are best left to memory. Dancing is still in my soul, but now I’m weighing comfort over style.
My knees are not so happy with my love for movement these days. They also seem not to like staircases. As soon as I go up or down the stairs they make me regret doing it. My mind says “dance floor,” but my knees are enjoying themselves at home with a heating pad each, sending me not-so-subtle reminders that they prefer the slow groove now, so unfair!
It’s funny—feeling young on the inside, even as my body does its own thing and decides to get older without asking me first. I still crack the same jokes, daydream, but getting up from the couch? Now that feels like I should get a gold medal, because somehow, something so simple has turned into a big achievement.
The science behind menopause joint pain
Turns out there’s a reason for all this. As explained on Menopause: The Complete Guide For Women Over 45, when menopause hits, our oestrogen, the hormone that keeps a lot of things running smoothly, takes a break and apparently, it was doing much more for us than we ever realised. Oestrogen isn’t just about periods or hot flashes; It actually helps keep our joints cushioned, our muscles moving smoothly, our bones strong, and even our moods and energy stable. Without oestrogen’s support, our joints lose some of that protection and around half to two-thirds of women end up with achy joints and muscles (hands up anyone?). Lower oestrogen means our body doesn’t fight inflammation as well as before which is why simple chores can leave us feeling very tired. That’s why things like running for the bus, or starting a kitchen disco (like me!) becomes a lot harder for our knees and muscles (unfair again!). On top of that, oestrogen drop can cause brain fog, the reason why you can’t remember where you put your keys for the hundredth time (me again)!
But it’s not just the science—it’s also our shared experience. Many women over 50 notice menopause joint pain. We laugh and complain, but we adapt. We move differently, choose more comfortable shoes, stretch a little more, and become experts in quick pain relief without missing a beat. However, none of this should make you feel defeated. Our bodies are changing, but our spirits are still vibrant!
How I keep dancing
So here’s how I manage:
- I still dance, even if it’s just swaying in the kitchen while cooking
- I still blast my music, wearing earplugs of course (silence disco anyone?), and embrace every bit of nostalgia
- I remind myself that my soul will never get old if I don’t want to
- I swap heels for sneakers, use heat packs, and embrace less dramatic moves
- I check in with my health—staying active, stretching, and not ignoring joint pain (sometimes a rest is really a breakthrough)
Remember, moving your body is still essential, even when it feels different than in the past. If dancing brings you joy, find a groove that works for you, knees and all! Laugh at the changes, share tips with your friends, and celebrate what your body can still do.
Our generation
To all of you out there feeling the same way—you’re definitely not alone. We are the tough cookies who had patience to play tennis on Atari waiting what felt like hours for that pixelated ball to reach the other side of the net (who remembers that?). We survived a world where everything was neon, and we became programming pros with our VCRs before remote controls were smart. Swapping mixtapes with our friends, rocking out to 80s and 90s anthems, and picking up just enough tech wisdom to fake it with today’s gadgets—even if modern smartphones are clearly trying to outsmart us. So, if anyone can handle a few rebellious joints or always-missing keys, it’s absolutely our generation.
Keep dancing and laughing and don’t let menopause joint pain steal your joy.
If you enjoyed reading help us spread the word, introduce Silverlocks to your friends and let’s keep lifting each other up—one kitchen disco at a time!
Disclaimer: This story is based on personal experience and general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.
