The study found that women with a history of chronic pain were more likely to experience severe menopause symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes, as well as psychological and sleep-related challenges.
The findings are particularly relevant as World Menopause Day on 18 October shines a spotlight on improving awareness, support and care for women navigating menopause.
Researchers analysed data from the National Child Development Study, which follows people born in England, Scotland and Wales during one week in 1958. Chronic pain was assessed when participants were aged 44, while menopause symptoms were examined six years later at age 50 using a 20-item symptom questionnaire.
The team identified four distinct patterns of menopause symptoms: low symptom burden, vasomotor symptoms, psychological symptoms, and a high symptom burden group. Chronic pain was common, affecting 41% of women in the study, while 12% experienced chronic widespread pain.
Women who reported chronic pain at age 44 were substantially more likely to belong to any of the higher symptom burden groups at age 50. The strongest association was seen among women in the high symptom burden group, where those with chronic pain had almost three times greater odds of severe symptoms. Women with chronic widespread pain had three-and-a-half times greater odds.
Reference: Borra C, Hardy R. Chronic pain before perimenopause predicts greater menopause symptom burden in midlife women. University College London and Loughborough University.
Find out more about World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2026 - International Menopause Society