For the past two weeks, my fingers are very swollen. I tried cutting out salt, but it's not helping. I can hardly get my ring off and when I try to make a fist, it actually hurts! What could be causing this? I haven't had a period since the end of January (I'm 49). Could it be hormones? Should I take a water pill? The other parts of my body seem fine.

Hi Jeannie, I began getting swollen fingers about the time I started with perimenopause. My blood pressure's fine; I don't seem to be retaining fluids. My doc assures me there's nothing to this. I notice it more on warm days, or when I first wake up in the morning. I'ts gotten better over time; in the early days, my fingers felt like little sausages, so I know what you're saying. Just mention it to your doc next time you see him/her.

It could be related to hormones and body changes due to not having a period for a couple of months. My swelling began when I started with the depo-provera shots. That's the only side affect that really has plagued me. In my family growing up, we did not use salt at the dinner table because Mom and Dad had high blood pressure. Salt wasn't my problem and I rarely use it. What works for me is reducing my intake of sugary foods like cake, cookies, and candy. Even keeping an eye on how much food you consume with white flour has helped. You might think I am crazy but I began eating a garlic clove (chopped) when swelling was bad and have regularly increased the garlic and onions to the food I prepare. It works !! The other big thing that works is a slice of a lemon or lime in a big glass of ice water. My swelling was in my hands, feet, and at times even my face. Reducing the sugars and eating more garlic & onions in my food made a huge difference. Hope this helps for you, Tina

Thanks for the suggestions Tina! I'm going to try the garlic, onions and lemon this weekend. I've been trying to get in to see my Dr., but no luck so far. I've been taking Sudafed for a cold for the past week and I read that it can cause water retention, so maybe that's it. Sure hope this goes away soon. I can't even wear my wedding ring.