Aches, pains and stiffness

[Nickersnackersnockers]

I had no idea my aches pains and stiffness could be related to the menopause. Just thought it was old age starting. I started HRT for its preventative benefits. Two friends have casually mentioned their aches have gone! Feeling aggrieved mine are hanging about.

Does my dosage / type need tweaking?

My boobs though have plumped back up to pre children years so don't want to lose them again! The two friends do not have that benefit!

Would love to hear your thoughts xx

I was putting my stiff, aching joints down to the menopause but it turns out I actually have osteoarthritis 😩 Where are you sore? Mine is my hips and now my hands, ankles and elbows a little bit. I've only been suffering pain for the last 18 months or so, but apparently I'm already in need of a hip replacement. I was totally shocked.

I don't have arthritis but chronic muscle pain and if I sit for too long I am so stiff it's hard to walk normally until I free up again.

Sorry to hear about your hips though. How old are you if you don't mind me asking?

I saw on your other thread you're on Estraderm 25 which I suggested was a relatively low dose.

Is it really a low dose? I wonder if upping it would make a difference? Thank you 😊

Yes def up the dose. I was same but since upping to 50 my joints are so much better! Just try it for a month or so yourself and see.

Up the dose really? I was nervous starting anyway but upping it by 100%

Was your joints the only reason for upping your dose?

No no !! I Started on a patch of 25 and was fine for few months felt joint pain starting to return, not as bad though. Applied two 25 mcg patches with great results. Informed GP who then prescribed me 50 mcg patches from then on.

50 is usually the normal starting dose. The available doses (patches) are 25, 50, 75 and 100.

I'm on 50 and 75, alternating (patches).

Why do you alternate doses and not just stay on the 75 patch?

I've seen a menopause specialist GP and she told me to take Flaxseed oil and use a magnesium spray.
I'm already on HRT

I'm giving it until Christmas with the supplements to ensure I've given it a good chance.

I think I might try going up to 50 thank you.

What is the magnesium spray and flaxseed oil for?

@embolass

Why do you alternate doses and not just stay on the 75 patch?

My new GP won't prescribe more than 50s. She tried to stop my prescription altogether 8 weeks ago, and she's just done it again.

I'm rationing the patches I've already got, some of which I bought privately, which are a mix of 50s and 75s.

HRT provision at many GP practices in England is an absolute disgrace.

That’s shocking stopping your prescription so having to ration patches. Some are so against it others are evangelical about it. Change GP ASAP
Are they male or young female by any chance?

Young female, @embolass. Told me my HRT causes breast cancer.

It doesn't. It's oestrogen only, transdermal, started before age 60 after a BSO total hysterectomy, as per NICE guidelines. The level of ignorance from a GP in charge of women's healthcare is concerning.

Agree, I had crippling issues with pain, joints so sore struggled to walk up stairs, move from the toilet etc. Took painkillers daily to be able to function was told by young female GP “ hot showers and paracetamol “. Saw a consultant in female sexual health at the well woman clinic who couldn’t prescribe HRT who wrote to GP recommending it’s use and what to prescribe. I have not looked back since. Another option for you to try x

I have found turmeric very effective in reducing pain in my hands.

@embolass

Agree, I had crippling issues with pain, joints so sore struggled to walk up stairs, move from the toilet etc. Took painkillers daily to be able to function was told by young female GP “ hot showers and paracetamol “. Saw a consultant in female sexual health at the well woman clinic who couldn’t prescribe HRT who wrote to GP recommending it’s use and what to prescribe. I have not looked back since. Another option for you to try x

Believe it or not, @embolass, I already have had a Consultant Gynaecologist write to my GP practice recommending Evorel 75 patches (in 2019) and have had this conversation with new GP.

That's when she told me I should 'stop taking HRT'. I declined, said I was happy with my Consultant's recommendations, and now she's being the Awkward Squad about it. Says 'her training' was that 'HRT causes breast cancer'.

This was after I asked her how she felt about (a) my familial risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, and (b) the NICE guidelines and the NHS's own website page with advice on HRT. She seemed surprisingly unaware of both.

I stood my ground - not always easy in a phone call - but she's unilaterally changed my dose down to 50 and additionally is now refusing to issue this month's HRT.

I have never had to put in a complaint at this practice in over 20 years. I feel that I've been out in a very invidious position tbh, when I'm already down.

That is so sad to hear spindle What a battle your having, but sounds like your more than capable of fighting your corner ! So frustrating having to go through all that, just wait till that GP hits the menopause
Get writing your complaint and book in with another GP. Good luck

I've upped my exercise routine and started training with weights - it was tough at first but after two months I'm really noticing the reduction in aches and pains.

I swim and use weights but it has not eliminated the debilitating morning pain, but the exercise does help free me up.

Does anyone here use testosterone?