Aches and Pains

[SaintVal]

I'm 51 and feel like 81! I can't believe this is all down to the menopause but I can't remember the last time I just felt normal and fit. The symptoms first 'struck' when I turned 50 which was during lockdown. During that time I also lost my Mum (she died in a care home and I couldn't see her) and my job has changed so I'm now working from home so sat at my kitchen table all day. I think all this info is relevant because mentally I have had a tough time but I feel I am coming through that. But now it's my joints! My knees hurt my toe joints hurt, my lower back hurts. I am so tired all the time (despite sleeping well and getting 7 hours a night) that I have no appetite for exercise and I feel my physical health is spiralling out of control. I'm on HRT patches which have helped a lot but my body feels like an old lady's! What can I do to help? Change my HRT? Vitamins? This is no exaggeration, at 49 I was still feeling as I did at 28 and enjoying nights out and socialising. I really feel like shit and fed up with it. All suggestions welcome!

Should I give up coffee? I have one or two a day. My alcohol consumption has plummeted in the last two years - I can't touch white wine anymore as it makes me feel like I've been hit by a bus. I'm also a non smoker.

Hi op sounds like your MH is not good at the moment. I have found that small changes lead to big changes. How have you dealt with the loss of your DM? Do you think you need any counselling? Vitamins are good but don't replace a poor diet

I am younger than you but you describe some of the ways I was feeling at the beginning of this year.

I just made small changes otherwise, it is too overwhelming.

I stopped drinking alcohol completely, it took 3 months to see the benefits but, I lost weight without trying, my skin and eyes look better and my sleep is amazing. As I began to see these changes it prompted me to look after my skin, retinol/sunscreen etc. I also now aim to drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day.

I get out and walk everyday. I make sure I get dressed, put make up on and nice clothes even if I am wfh that day.
I have tweaked my diet to increase more fruit/veg and cut down on meat. I also take a multivitamin/bit B12 and use a magnesium spray at night to help me sleep
Finally I have just started HRT and do kettle bell work outs.

As I have lost weight, gained energy, my anxiety has reduced. I have bought new clothes and love what I wear now. I just feel happier than any other time.

Loads of threads about people worried about loosing their looks/ageing. I feel I look better now as I don't worry about what others think and I feel confident that I am doing the best I can for my body.

I work as a HCP and I see lots of people, some younger than me ageing badly, it's like they have accepted the way they are and made no effort to stay fit/eat healthily. The older people who age well are the ones who stay active. That means something different for everyone. You don't have to run a marathon but you do have to move. Walking is fine and great for MH. Weights are good as you get older to.

It sounds boring, but it's just adjustment to a different part of life so you can continue to enjoy it. Age is just a number but it does require effort. Good luck Op it is possible, results are slow but once you see them it's a huge motivator.

Also re caffeine I still drink it but stop at about 4pm. I do love chocolate though.

I hurt all over all the time at 58 if that’s any help?!

Following as I feel the same OP.

Now you've made me wonder about HRT, OP as you have still got the joint stiffness even on it. I have got the same problem but am not on HRT. I think @Rupertpenrysmistress was a useful post. Made me think of the problem as a whole rather than just the joint pain. I think one of my problems is motivation and not just laying on the sofa.

I remember it well, my eyeballs and even the soles of my feet hurt. I'm 60 now and still on hrt and the only way I can make it stop is to go on a long trek in the woods and up and down hills. I find exercising is really the only way to keep it all at bay.

I went on HRT mainly for joint pain. My hands were so much better within days. It's been creeping up on me a little again lately, so the GP has just upped my dose and I'll see how it goes.
But losing weight made a big difference and keeping fit (which has slipped lately).

Thanks for all the replies. I'm taking care of myself on the outside, just as I always have but it's the physical aching and pains that prevent me from getting off my arse and doing anything.

The situation concerning my Mum was traumatic but I really do feel I am coming out the other side of that. Of course I still miss her and have a little tear every now and then but I'm not consumed with grief anymore. I know I need to move more (and more regularly) and that requires some effort on my part but I just never feel as though I have the energy. I'm a single parent and have DS7 so all week I'm busy with him and after school clubs and that coupled with work (I do 5 hours straight every day) just about finishes me off!

I have just ordered a kettle bell as I do agree adding in some strength training will help and I need to make sure I factor in a walk each day. Hopefully that will help me shift the extra stone I'm carrying and oil up the joints!

HRT has helped as I said before but maybe I need an oestrogen increase. Trying to get an appointment with my doctor atm is another matter.