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[suzicals]

Tonight I am in agony, not only do i have severe lower abdominal pain, which I am debating what it is. But during the day and tonight my knees are in a lot of pain and stiff finding it difficult to move about, especially going up stairs. Its been going on for some time now, but today it seems to be worse.

Could this be related to my menopause or is it just coincidental?  Any thoughts?

[Dancinggirl]

Hi suzicals and welcome to MM
You don't tell us much about yourself which makes it very difficult to offer advice.
Aching joints can certainly be a meno symptom but if you are experiencing so much pain then a visit to the doctor for advice would be good. Lack of oestrogen does result in more aches and pains and ligaments can also play up. I came off HRT 6 months ago (I'm 58) and, as an ex dancer with very abused joints, I am am stiffening up quite a bit now - my hips are aching a lot so I assume I have osteoarthritis. Keeping active (lots of power walking is best), keeping weight under control and a healthy diet with omega3 oils etc. is essential at our time of life.
How old are you? What stage are you at in your menopause? Are you getting any other meno symptoms e.g.flushes, night sweats?
DG x

[Sarah2]

If you have severe pain then you should see a dr. Could it be constipation or IBS for instance?

I agree with DG- at midlife it's easy to blame the menopause for so many things but often it's 'middle age' to blame and lifestyles catching up with people- ie not enough exercise and healthy diet, or too much exercise in the past which has caused wear and tear on the joints.

Having said that, joint pains and aches can be part of the menopause because collagen throughout the body is depleted once oestrogen levels fall and this can affect ligaments and cushioning between the joints.

How old are you, what other symptoms do you have and how is your general health?

[suzicals]

I'm 49, and  have been perimenopausal for a few years, recently been back to my GP due to some inbetween bleeding and he put it down to me being menopausal.  I've had hot flushes and night sweats for some time now. Emotions all over the place.  I dont carry a lot of weight, and have a good diet, I take meds for my heart condition.

I have had trouble with my joints in the past, one of my knees patella was in the wrong place, and my left shoulder bone is not fully formed its affectively three pieces of bone with cartiledge holding it together.  I have had a bulging disc in my lower back.  Been problem free for some years until about 6 months ago when my knees started by aching and stiff but put it down to being on my feet all day at work.  Just recently they have started to feel worse and earlier in the day rather than just at the end of the day.  Just wondered that as hormones change during the menopause that it might be agrivating the problem.
 

[Dancinggirl]

Hi suzicals
If you have been peri meno for the last few years has your doctor not suggested you should use HRT? AS you progress through the peri stage your oestrogen levels will be fluctuating and dropping and the bones start to loose density and the joints suffer as a result.  Especially as you have had issues with your joints it is rather important you have the oestrogen to maintain bone density. HRT can actually protect the heart so unless your heart condition really prevents the use of HRT maybe you should consider using it. Has a cardiologist advised you not to take HRT? The increase in problems with your joints could be helped with HRT together with some appropriate exercise. 
I take omega oils and glucosamine which has been helping my joints a bit.
I would have a serious chat with your GP about your options. You could try a low dose like Femoston 1mg (look under HRT Preparations to the left of this screen)to see if it helps - would probably reduce the flushes and you might sleep better.
Keep us posted about your progress.  DG x

[Dancinggirl]

Do ask for a bone density scan suzicals - I think it is rather important your know how your bones are doing at this stage. I was peri meno from my mid 30s and one of the first things my GP did was send me for a bone scan.  My bones were borderline even then so I'm having to work very hard to look after my bones now I've come off HRT (I'm 58).
Good luck  DG x

[suzicals]

Thank you for your advice DG. 

As far as I am aware I am not allowed to take HRT due to my heart condition, when I was 41 I had a heart attack so I think its not possible.  I eat a lot of Omega rich products but I might look into a suppliment as well, I have not heard of glucosamine is it something you can buy over the counter?

I think its time to go and see the GP for a chat and see what I can do.  I am going for a smear test on Monday,  Apparently i am overdue ... oops 

Suzy

[Dancinggirl]

Definitely ask for a bone density scan to see how your bones are doing without oestrogen - if you can't take HRT then there are other treatments if your bones are in trouble.  Glucosamine is good for the joints - you can get it from any chemist or health food store.
A combination of Omega oils, Glucosamine, Magnesium, Vit D and possibly extra calcium may well be advisable.  You also need to do some weight baring exercise like brisk walking to help maintain some bone density.
Advice about the use of HRT with various health conditions has changed over the last few years so it may worth asking if HRT is still not an option. There is some risk of stroke with HRT but I believe HRT helps to keep cholesterol levels down and protects the heart - some find it reduces their blood pressure.
Let us know how you get on. DG x