Hormonal
The menopausal transition is associated with a reduction in lean or muscle mass, with postmenopausal women showing approximately 5.7% lower muscle mass compared to premenopausal women, although this correlation may be confounded by aging and measurement limitations of DXA.
If you are going through menopause, expect a potential decline in muscle mass, particularly during the perimenopausal transition. This is not necessarily inevitable or irreversible. Focus on resistance training and adequate protein intake during this window, as it is a critical period where interventions may be most effective in preventing sarcopenia.
Longitudinal (n = 4/5) and cross- sectional (n = 7/11) studies demonstrate a reduction in lean or muscle mass across the menopausal transition with −2.5% and −5.7% reductions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively, compared to premenopausal women.
Why this rating
Based on observational longitudinal and cross-sectional studies using DXA, which the authors note may underestimate or misinterpret muscle mass changes.
Source
Menopause, Female Sex Hormones, Skeletal Muscle Mass and Muscle Protein Turnover in Humans
Campbell Menzies et al. · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2026
DOI 10.1002/jcsm.70232
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