Musculoskeletal

If your body has started aching in ways it didn’t before, joints that are stiff in the morning, hips or fingers that throb, a frozen shoulder out of nowhere, you may have been told it’s age. For some of it, that may be true. For a lot of it, it can be hormones. The musculoskeletal effects of perimenopause are now recognised in medical literature as a distinct cluster, and they can respond to treatment. Knowing the difference between “just ageing” and a hormonal pattern can change what you do about it.

*Please note the prescribing of medication is at the discretion of your Practitioner.

When stiffness arrives a decade early

At My Clinic, musculoskeletal symptoms in midlife get a proper look, not a shrug. We talk through what’s hurting, when it started, how it’s affecting your daily life and your sleep, and whether it fits a hormonal pattern or something else.

Oestrogen can have anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. As it declines, joint inflammation and stiffness may increase, cartilage can become less protected, and tissues may be less resilient. Pain that moves between joints, frozen shoulder, and a general sense of feeling older than you are can all be signs of this.

Some musculoskeletal symptoms are structural and need different care. We help work out which is which. Where hormonal treatment, lifestyle changes, or further investigation would help, we talk through the options. The aim is to keep you mobile and functional, not to accept a slow decline as inevitable.

Seek support if joint pain or muscle aches are new or worsening during midlife; if pain is affecting your mobility, sleep, or daily activities; if stiffness is significant in the mornings; if you have been investigated for arthritis or other joint conditions without a clear structural cause being found; or if you want to understand whether hormonal change may be contributing to what you are experiencing.

 

Treatment options vary depending on your individual health history and circumstances. Any prescribing or management plan is at the discretion of your Nurse Practitioner.

What's right for you?

Musculoskeletal pain during midlife is often dismissed as simply getting older — but for many women, hormonal change is playing a significant role. Understanding the difference can open up options that actually address what’s happening in your body.

A MyClinic Nurse Practitioner can talk through your symptoms, explore whether hormonal factors may be contributing, and discuss approaches that suit your situation. You don’t need a referral, and you can be seen from wherever you are in Australia.

If you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing fits, that’s okay too. Book a general health appointment and your clinician will help you work through it together.

Not sure if you symptons match the condition. Not a problem, one of our clinicians can discuss them with you and help narrow down possible causes and effective treatments. Just book a general health appointment. 

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“The practitioners I have spoken with have all been extremely professional, helpful, knowledgeable and thorough. They have made the entire process smooth and efficient each time I have contact with them.”

Sue-Ellen, 67

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“My NP is very knowledgeable, but more importantly, she listens to me, answers all my questions and addresses any concerns.”

Marita, 49

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“My practitioner was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I am very grateful for his patience and thoroughness in explaining the treatment plan to me. The level of service is above and beyond anywhere else.”

Jess, 43

Frequently asked questions
Any questions?
We've got answers.
With the changes made by the Federal Government that took effect from November 1, 2025 you are no longer able to claim a Medicare rebate on your appointment unless you fall under certain criteria. We encourage you to discuss this with your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to understand if you are eligible.
Our services are in high demand, so in fairness to other patients who require help, we require a minimum of 1 business day’s notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment, If you fail to cancel or reschedule your appointment within this time frame, OR fail to attend your appointment, a late notice fee will be deducted from your account. Our cancellation fee depends on the length the appointment time booked according to our billing schedule. This will equate to the fee for your allotted time slot. Thank you for your understanding.
Nurse practitioners have the skills, knowledge, expertise and legal authority to provide preventative care as well as diagnose and treat people of all ages with acute and chronic health conditions. (health.gov.au)
We generally have appointments available within 15 minutes* *Subject to availability. Our Nurse Practitioners are available 8am-9pm AEST week days, 8am-6pm weekends. Average response time via a follow-up consult is within 2 hours after request is submitted. Submissions after hours will be reviewed the following day.
All our consultations are conducted via telehealth phone calls. At the time of your appointment, our practitioner will contact you using a number from a non-caller ID. Please ensure that you don’t block private numbers so you can receive the call, prior to the appointment.