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Original poster

HRT just for joint pain?

39 replies

Makilda · 19/02/2023 16:41

Hi all. I'm 51 and in menopause. I haven't had a period for almost two years. I did find that I was getting increasingly anxious and also some night sweats and hot flushes. I wanted to try herbal supplements first, and so for the last 8 months (ish) I've settled on a combo of red clover, St John's Wort, magnesium, and MenoPace everyday.

This has really worked for me and I feel fine EXCEPT for joint aching. My hips and legs are very, very achy and it's getting me down. I used to run and do yoga - I'm doing neither right now as I'm healing from a fracture.

My aches have increased since my exercise has dialled down, but I've got a feeling that I need to address this, even when I get back to full fitness.

I don't have a major issue with HRT, it's just that I've found an alternative that works for me, with no side effects or prescription, but the one symptom it's not helping with are these bloody pains.

Should I do HRT just for that? I was going to order an 8 pack of Evorel Conti to trial (my dr can't see me for weeks and I'm not waiting that long) to try, but thought I'd ask advice here first.

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 19/02/2023 16:59

What kind of fracture? Arm, wrist, leg, hip, collar bone?

If this was from standing height, then you should have been assessed for osteoporosis, and had a bone density scan. Young women (which you are) who fracture something are supposed to have a full assessment of fracture risk.

Knowing how your bones are, apart from the aching you have, might sway your decision about hrt (as it's licensed for use for osteoporosis either prevention or treatment, in women under 60.)

cleowasmycat · 19/02/2023 17:05

HRT will help with aches. Worth trying.

AlisonDonut · 19/02/2023 17:06

Yes a fracture is one of the highest indicators for osteoporosis, which I was going to say was what I had when I felt like that. Please go get a dexa scan ASAP.

Original poster
Makilda · 19/02/2023 18:39

Okay, I'll definitely get checked. It was from standing height, but I was moving very fast in bare feet, caught my foot in a loop of fabric and fell really awkwardly to miss a wall.

It's still 'normal' to break a bone, though isn't it? It isn't necessarily osteoarthritis? I'm worried now!

OP posts:
Original poster
Makilda · 19/02/2023 18:41

Back to getting HRT - I want to get on with it rather than wait an age for my doctor to see me. Should I go for a pack of patches? I will still go to GP, but like I say, weeks.

OP posts:
Mumstheword2022 · 19/02/2023 18:48

Hey OP
I turned 52 at Christmas and the doctor put me on hrt then basically because
a) as he said the average age for the menopause is 51
b) I had gone to him because of aches in my joints keeping me awake at night and he organised tests for R. Arthritis- this is in the family

the tests were either ‘inconclusive’ or a defo no to RA so hrt it is.

not noticed any difference yet to be honest and he has just let me double the dose to two squirts!

my friend literally rang up her doctor and got a prescription for hrt! Maybe some surgeries happy to do that?

not mine

over50andfab · 19/02/2023 18:56

Great you’ve found treatment to help your other menopause symptoms. The decision to start HRT is very individual and a discussion you should have with your GP and they might want to rule out any other causes of your joint aches. As Jingling mentioned,p there can be bone health benefits in using it
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23

JinglingSpringbells · 19/02/2023 19:15

It's still 'normal' to break a bone, though isn't it? It isn't necessarily osteoarthritis? I'm worried now!

I think you mean osteoporosis?

What did you break?

The medical advice is that women who have a fracture at your age should have a DEXA scan. At the very least they should have done a questionnaire, called a FRAX score (although that is not very accurate IME.)

You were slightly on the young side for menopause as the average age is 51- not a lot in it - but it's important you get your bones checked.

You should see your GP and ask for a bone density scan.

I'm not sure about you buying your own HRT and trying it. Reason being there are many different types, doses, and ways of using it.
It's advised to use one type for 3 months, to judge how it's working, so a box of 8 patches isn't really going to tell you much.

CMOTDibbler · 19/02/2023 19:28

After they ruled out everything else, it was my joint pain that pushed me down the route of HRT. 3 months in and one oestrogen dose increase, and I feel so much better, I can't quite believe it

cleowasmycat · 19/02/2023 19:32

Makilda · 19/02/2023 18:41

Back to getting HRT - I want to get on with it rather than wait an age for my doctor to see me. Should I go for a pack of patches? I will still go to GP, but like I say, weeks.

At 51 you probably have been perimenopausal for a while. Perimenopause can let 10 years before you hit Menopause - which incessantly is just one day when you haven't had a period for a year, Then you are Postmenopausal.
At 51 your gp may run general blood tests to rule out anything else but you do not need a hormone test over 45.
I find patches easiest after trying gel and spray.

cleowasmycat · 19/02/2023 19:33

Last not let!!!

cleowasmycat · 19/02/2023 19:33

Incidentally not incessantly damn it!!

UnaOfStormhold · 19/02/2023 19:53

I think the joint pain is definitely worth treating because it's stopping you from moving, which in turn is going to make your mental and physical health worse and could turn into a vicious circle. Plus protecting your bone health is very important, particularly if you've had a fracture from a minor fall.

When you say you've found patches online, is that prescribed by a doctor or just the medicine available to buy? If you can afford it, an online prescribing service where a doctor reviews your request is probably a safer option. If your GP offers an econsult service this may be worth trying to speed up the process, particularly if you can get a blood pressure reading to send them.

Pixiedust1234 · 19/02/2023 19:57

Low vitamin D can cause feelings of joint/bone pain. Since everyone is low during the winter months and cant get enough naturally it won't harm you taking a decent supplement.

BessieSurtees · 19/02/2023 19:59

I just came on to ask how are your vit D levels I echo what @Pixiedust1234 said

cleowasmycat · 19/02/2023 20:00

BessieSurtees · 19/02/2023 19:59

I just came on to ask how are your vit D levels I echo what @Pixiedust1234 said

Alongside my HRT I also take a multivitamin, cod liver oil, vit d and magnesium at night.

Jewel1968 · 19/02/2023 20:07

I started hrt a few months ago for joint pain. I was developing osteoarthritis in my hands that was surprisingly painful and debilitating. I also have arthritis elsewhere in my shoulder and back. The hrt has helped my hands enormously and helped the other joint pain but not as dramatically. I was hoping it would help dry eyes but it's not been a miracle worker there.

My attitude was to try it and see.

I did start to bleed monthly and bizarrely started to sync with DD'S cycle despite, like you, not having had a period for 2 years. I am about to have internal to rule anything nasty out. Doc said they may have to give me the hrt designed for women with periods but we shall see..

cleowasmycat · 19/02/2023 20:10

Jewel1968 · 19/02/2023 20:07

I started hrt a few months ago for joint pain. I was developing osteoarthritis in my hands that was surprisingly painful and debilitating. I also have arthritis elsewhere in my shoulder and back. The hrt has helped my hands enormously and helped the other joint pain but not as dramatically. I was hoping it would help dry eyes but it's not been a miracle worker there.

My attitude was to try it and see.

I did start to bleed monthly and bizarrely started to sync with DD'S cycle despite, like you, not having had a period for 2 years. I am about to have internal to rule anything nasty out. Doc said they may have to give me the hrt designed for women with periods but we shall see..

May I ask why HRT you are taking?

FallonofDynasty · 19/02/2023 20:17

I didn't have to see my gp to get HRT prescribed, just had a quick phone call.

I had to answer questions , including family history of certain cancers and blood pressure, how long since last period.

My main reason was lack of sleep, but that crept up on me slowly until it occurred to me how badly I was sleeping compared to previously. I did have joint pain too.

Original poster
Makilda · 19/02/2023 20:54

JinglingSpringbells · 19/02/2023 19:15

It's still 'normal' to break a bone, though isn't it? It isn't necessarily osteoarthritis? I'm worried now!

I think you mean osteoporosis?

What did you break?

The medical advice is that women who have a fracture at your age should have a DEXA scan. At the very least they should have done a questionnaire, called a FRAX score (although that is not very accurate IME.)

You were slightly on the young side for menopause as the average age is 51- not a lot in it - but it's important you get your bones checked.

You should see your GP and ask for a bone density scan.

I'm not sure about you buying your own HRT and trying it. Reason being there are many different types, doses, and ways of using it.
It's advised to use one type for 3 months, to judge how it's working, so a box of 8 patches isn't really going to tell you much.

Thanks for all the advice everyone - I really appreciate it.

I broke my fifth metatarsal. I twisted and landed on it, the foot kind of took my weight, travelling at very fast walking pace.

I will call the GP to see if they'll do a telephone consultation. My diet is fresh and varied - I like cooking - so I'll incorporate as many bone-friendly things as I can!

OP posts:
Martinisarebetterdirty · 19/02/2023 21:13

I am a huge advocate of HRT, it’s saved my sanity, but it did nothing for my joint pain in my hips. I take daily collagen for that (currently ancient and brave true collagen) and I really notice if I miss a couple of days. Obviously not for everyone and please do speak to your GP, but just offering something that worked for me.

HairyKitty · 19/02/2023 21:17

Hrt totally turned my joint pain around. There are the other benefits as well, bone strength, cardiac health and preventing dementia.

Original poster
Makilda · 19/02/2023 21:27

I've just had a revelation - could vitamin d deficiency be a factor? I'm usually very outdoor-type, running and walking over moors etc, but for about three months I've literally barely left the house. Firstly COVID, then a deadline (I'm a writer), then this fracture.

I mean there's no school run, I get all shopping delivered, I'm a happy social hermit anyway. Is it possible that I've actually gone and depleted myself?

OP posts:
Original poster
Makilda · 19/02/2023 21:29

Diet-wise, I eat cheese but never drink milk. My diet's varied otherwise.

Again, thanks for the advice, I'm taking everything in and sorting out my thoughts on it all!

OP posts:
embolass · 19/02/2023 21:35

Absolutely brilliant for joint pain. Started it aged 49 as was really struggling, pain so severe in knees hips and elbows, struggling with steps etc, but no other issues really. Felt a difference after 4 days! It was like magic. If it doesn’t work you can come off it. Good luck

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