Some pass through it with little complaint. Others have experiences similar to those of Aviles and Wales. And for others still, the physical and psychological symptoms can be even worse. What seems to be the common thread of complaint among women runners is decline in energy, slower running times, achiness and weight gain. Many women assume their aches and pains and loss of performance are menopause-related, but the research is vague and the connection unsubstantiated.
Nobody really knows for sure.
Research to provide answers would be quite difficult to conduct, experts say. The problems don't seem to be confined to average women who are regular runners. Even elite athletes have had similar declines. It's tough, but you have to accept it. To be sure, middle-aged men, including runners, also tend to slow as they age.