Joint pain - menopause or rheumatoid arthritis ?

[Sticki]

How do I differentiate between menopause related joint pain and something else like RA?

I'm 52 and taking max dose estrogel as well as pea sized testogel 2x per day and had a full hysterectomy 5 years ago. I've had joint pain for a long time (various old injuries and an active job) but it seems to be getting worse despite me increasing my HRT to try and reduce the symptoms. I have sore knees, hips/pelvis, elbows, wrists, shoulders etx with heavy tired legs and general fatigue. I've been putting this down to menopause, getting older and stress levels.

My finger joints and knuckles are swollen and some are red. I also have a
Different autoimmune condition.

My GP is difficult to access and I have limited energy and time. My research so far says that joint pain should be improved by HRT ?

Any experience or thoughts?
Thanks

I’ve also had a full hysterectomy and have other autoimmune conditions but my RA blood tests were fine, that’s the only way to distinguish.
It could be osteoarthritis. Mine was diagnosed via x-ray & ultrasounds in my early 40’s & the GP said everyone over 50 gets some sort of wear & tear osteoarthritis.
HRT has no impact on it, it’s also in my hands and wrists. Mobility movements every day helps with the pains that then started in my hips,back,spine, shoulders etc. Do your surgery do online consultations, is that an option?

Because you already have an auto immune condition, it would be more likely this is RA not menopause. My understanding is that joint pain in menopause (or rather post-menopause) is because of loss of collagen which 'buffers' the joints against the wear and tear.
If you have swelling and redness this suggests inflammation.

You really should see your GP as the only tests are blood tests and Xrays/ MRI.
If that's impossible and you have the money, you can refer usually to private consultants who would at least give you an opinion at the first appt and then perhaps suggest the tests on the NHS by writing to your GP.

I'd not ignore it as RA causes irreversible damage to the joints and needs treatment.

@FactoryResetNeeded @JinglingSpringbells
Thanks for the replies. I've put an online request into my GP so hopefully will get bloods done to check.

Having recently started Hormone tablets i have many aches and pains especially legs/knees. After some research on the internet i have found this lovely company called Pebble Uk who have been a god send . I contacted them by phone and had a lengthy conversation with a very helpful lady. I am a proud owner of graduated compression tights, certainly making a difference 😀.