The decrease in estrogen during perimenopause weakens tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues, thereby increasing the risk of injury, which necessitates adapting one's training to remain strong.

noli's read

Research does indeed support a link between hormonal fluctuations and musculoskeletal health. Studies, including reviews published in 'Frontiers in Physiology', indicate that estrogens play a protective role in collagen synthesis and the stiffness of connective tissues. When these levels decrease, tissue compliance can be altered, potentially making tendons more vulnerable to mechanical stress, an observation supported by observational studies in female athletes. However, it is important to note that the direct causal link between the drop in estrogen alone and the incidence of injuries in real-life settings remains complex, as many factors (training load, recovery, biological age) come into play. The idea of adapting training—by prioritizing muscle strengthening—is a consensual recommendation in sports science to compensate for the loss of muscle mass and tissue quality. This advice is therefore a solid interpretation of current physiology, without being an absolute certainty for every individual.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.