The MUScle Strengthening Exercises and Estrogen (MUSE) Randomized Controlled Trial for Menopausal Arthralgia
The investigators plan to conduct a pilot 4-arm, randomized study comprising the following interventions: muscle strengthening exercises (MSE) alone, estrogen therapy (ET) alone, and a combination of MSE and ET, compared to usual care in women with menopausal arthralgia. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility, patient acceptability, and patient perspectives and logistics of delivering interventions, and practicability of outcome assessment tools in this 4-arm study over a 12-week period.
• Patients with muscle stiffness and joint discomfort in various sites, including hands, knees, back, hips, and/or shoulders. Patients with pain in only one isolated joint would not be accepted.
• Arthralgia symptoms with onset, or has become worse, over the perimenopausal or early postmenopausal period (within 5 years of the menopause).
• Women should be at the menopause transition, less than or equal to 59 years old at the time of enrollment, or within 5 years of menopause whichever is earlier.
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• Arthralgia for at least 3 months (pain lasting beyond normal injury healing period)
• Community-dwelling and able to ambulate independently.