Peri and body aches

[ItWillBeOkHonestly]

I'm 47 and have so far not really had any symptoms other than the occasional waking-up-sweaty routine. But about 4 months ago I was away for the weekend and because we went on some long walks over rocks, I noticed how stuff and inflexible I was. Climbing up rocks felt like super hard work, like my muscles just didn't want to move. I put it down to some recent weight gain but then the body aches started. It's been almost constant for the past month. I ache when I wake up, I ache when I sit in the same position for too long, I ache when I stand up and sometimes I ache for just no reason at all. It seems to be predominantly in my legs and hips and I HATE walking up the stairs like an old lady because 'everything hurts'.

I'm a bit reluctant to try HRT right now as I know it's a long term job and apart from the aches, there's so far no other symptoms. I've started cod liver and evening primrose oil but so far no joy. Are there any other homegrown remedies people can suggest? I already do a fair bit of exercise (boxing 3 times a week) but would love to exhaust all my options before admitting that HRT might be my friend.

I’m in a really similar situation. I have a just normal BMI and cycle hard 40mins four times a week but everything is getting harder and more sore. Getting up in the morning is soooo slow and painful.

I have just been to the GP with this.

I have had muscle and tendon aches and stiffness for about 2 years. Also 47.

The crunch for me came when my periods became erratic and I had a month with 2 periods and felt so much better. Running was better, ever my breathing was easier and I could bend over and touch the floor again I couldn't deny the link any more.

The Nurse Practitioner was thankfully great and asked me to do my own research to see what I wanted and also did the usual bloods to rule out other things.

I have just got my prescription for Eostrogel and Ultrastan and am eagerly awaiting my period so I can start it!! Now I just need to hope it works! Hopefully I will be back soon saying I wish I had done it straight away!

Unfortunately the aches and pains are part of getting older. And then when you do exercise to improve health/flexibility, you ache even more. You can’t win !

Accepting your body needs to be treated differently. Walk every day. Stretching every day. I got a standing desk so can sit / stand through the work day. If I keep moving it’s much better: prolonged sitting causes me all manner of discomfort. Good luck!

I have to do gentle stretches every morning and night.

Pilates would help but I'm finding the time to squeeze it in challenging.

If I'm honest it has been hrt that's made the most difference though I have to exercise and stretch as well.

You could try strength training?

Magnesium helps too.

Getting the same and I'm 46. I'm finding swimming helps a bit.

You could also try working slowly up to full cold showers.

I know you don’t want to try HRT just for this from your post. But I must tell you I’ve found it very effective for relieving aching muscles and joints. Before I started I sometimes needed 2 paracetamol and and hour up and about to put my socks on in the morning! I would go to yoga and even the most simple positions would make my arms and legs ache and feel really weak. Within a couple of weeks of starting HRT this all stopped. I’m now managing to do more energetic exercise classes as I feel much stronger and less achey.

I'm 61and 5 years postmeno. I'd recently reached the point of feeling like a much older woman, trying to get off the sofa and up the stairs. Started HRT in March and within 2 days I could get off sofa and up the stairs with no bother. Wrists, hands and fingers feeling much better also. Night heats have only just started to go, but I've been starting at low dose and slowly working my way up. A few women I know have said the joints were first thing to improve for them. Wish I'd started HRT 8 years ago and saved myself a few years of misery and pain. Watch the Liz Earle video on her menopause experience. It changed my mind about HRT.

I had aches and pains consistently from age 40 onward. Now, early 50s. Until last week I felt practically crippled - horrendous back and neck pain and zero energy. Less than one week into low dose HRT and I feel transformed. My energy levels have improved hugely, i am sleeping better and the aches and pains have all but gone.

Cod liver oil and glucosamine definitely worked, but didnt have anywhere near the same effect.

Why not reconsider HRT?