Musculoskeletal disorders, the second-leading cause of disability from nonfatal diseases worldwide, pose significant economic burdens and public health challenges. Studies have demonstrated that the synergy between estrogen deficiency and inflammatory aging in postmenopausal women results in a higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders in women compared with men. This study aims to fill this gap by characterizing the burden of musculoskeletal disorders in postmenopausal women. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990 to 2021, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years associated with musculoskeletal disorders in postmenopausal women. Additionally, levels of exposure to risk factors and their associated disease burdens were analyzed, along with projections to 2050. Globally, 476 million postmenopausal women were affected by musculoskeletal disorders in 2021, representing a 126.7% increase compared with 210 million in 1990. The projected number of prevalent cases is expected to reach 897 million by 2050. The burden of musculoskeletal disorders in menopausal women slowly increased with a higher Sociodemographic Index. A high body mass index was identified as the most significant risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders in menopausal women. The global burden of musculoskeletal disorders in menopausal women remains high, with substantial disparities between regions and socioeconomic strata. Prioritizing metabolic risk reduction, responding to demographic changes, and developing region-specific policies are essential for addressing this escalating public health challenge.
Tian et al. (Fri,) studied this question.