I think this peri-menopause thing is hitting me. Just missed my first period, began hot flashes, and have the worst joint pain - everyday. Hips, knees, elbows. How does the joint pain factor into the menopause? Immediately went to Vitamin World and stocked up on soy, Isofalvones, Black cohash, and Omega 3's - in addition to my "Mega Women's" vitamin which I take daily. (Feel like a darned drug addict - poppin' all these throughout the day!) I believe that the soy and black cohash have kicked in a little already - as the hot flashes seem to be less frequent. But this joint pain has me stymied. Have made an appointment with my GP (Next Friday)but am trying to understand the physiology behind all these new changes. AND the 4 -5 hours of sleep at night are killin' me! I need at least 7 - once-in-a-while. Any ideas out there?
Sweeper1

Hello
I also take black cohosh & it sure does stop those night sweats & Hot flashes.
I also take an advil liquid gel cap at night. 200mg
also excerise is great even though it is hard to have the energy to do any.
walking is great!
Black cohosh is used for many things.
Did you know that it also alleviates arthritis Pain & Inflammation,
helps ease depression, aids in preventing migraines.
This herb had been used for years.

I am going to start taking soy just as soon as my order arrives.

hope you feel better soon

Angel

Hey Sweeper,

Welcome to Power-Surge!

Although I don't suffer from a lot of joint pain (except after gardening) , there are women on the site who do feel it's related to perimenopause.

You sound like a very pro-active person, which is great - it helps just to DO SOMETHING when facing all these symptoms.

Good luck with your next dr. appointment. Hope you get some relief soon.




Jacquie

I not only have long stretches of joint pain, but I have noticed that my *normal* temperature seems to be in the 99.9, 100.1 range. All day. Every day. At least whenever the joint pain gets worse.

I'm leery of taking Alleve or Bayer every day, but it does seem to help. Truthfully, I haven't even brought this up to my doctor yet.

Also, it seems that my arms go numb every night now. I wake up in the morning with *dead* arms. It's like my old sleeping position is cutting off blood flow now or something.

sigh

I too suffer with the joint pain. Also muscle pain - tingling, bug crawling sensations, etc. etc. Some days I feel like I must be going nuts! My doc. says fibromyalgia, but I really dont think so. I am 42 and this all started when I was 40. At the same time, I started to flood and ended up getting a hyst. last November. I got my hormone levels checked last Monday to see where thery are at, but I have not got the results back yet. Does anyone know when all these crazy symptoms will end?

Shark:

I've been having the bugs crawling on me sensation for years now! Somewhere I was reading that is a normal symptom of perimenopause! I've also just started having twitching lips! You know how you feel your eyelid is twitching? Now my lips feel like that every now and then!!!

I have joint pain also that came on exactly when I started skipping periods. I have had a thorough workup with a rheumatologist and everything shows up as normal. I don't having any swelling with my joint pain, which is another indicator that you could be developing arthritis. So I'm pretty convinced at this point that the joint pain is related to the hormonal imbalances. I just take tylenol or advil when I need to - don't want to be put on anything stronger at this point if I can avoid it.

I had the bug-crawling on me feeling the other night--woke up with welts and itchy spots. Killed a spider and we are getting new screens! Gosh, I love spring!

I've had restless legs (and arms) for years, and a hot bath usualy works. I like to combine it with a glass of wine and candles to make it MY time (a sleazy book or crossword puzzles are never out of place!) Aspirin when necessary and Clonazepam when I really must
The mag/cal helps on an ongoing basis.
My doc recommended quinine for the twitching, also helpfully letting me know that it is cheaper to drink a gin and tonic rather than fill the prescrip.!
Unfortunately, I don't like tonic

has anyone tired Glucosamine & Chondroitin Complex for joint & muscle aches?
I just got a bottle & its says to take 2 capsules 3 X a day Gosh thats 6 capsules.
Seems like a lot.
If anyone has taken it let me know how it works~

Thanks

Angel0508

Has anyone heard that taking statins to lower cholesterol can bring on muscle and joint weakness/pains? And also that taking co-enzyme Q10 can put these muscle/joint problems right?

I take statins and am getting worse and worse. Just wondering if this has something to do with it. I'm quite active, a BIT overweight, but I can't help feeling that this is all wrong.
Be interested in your thoughts...

Peribelle,
Take a look at the thread entitled "Lipitor Warning".

The only joint pain I have is in my bum shoulder...and it feels aggravated lately. Of course, we are getting some damp weather in too...so who knows what the cause. I have been in a lot of pain with it for the past two days...using heat packs here at work to ease it and popping Motrin...going to talk to the dr. when I go in tomorrow.

Hi everyone, I am brand new to this. I have been having EVERY symptom that you all talk about. I have the bug crawling thing, red face (flashing?), a bit of an elevated temp (99) used to be 97 through my whole life. NOW, sorry but, after sex, my hip/leg joints are in so much pain. Further, and this is bothering me most, I am 40 years old and all this started about a month ago, I seemed to have gained about 8 lbs overnight. I don't eat more, and I exercise daily. I feel like I am carrying around 8 lbs of water weight. Is that normal? How can I get rid of it? My ankles get a little puffy after work (I am a school teacher), and my abdominal area is bigger/hard. I have started taking Estroven b/c it was the first thing I saw in the pharmacy after reading some of the posts about soy and all. What else should I be taking. Oh, I also take Dandelion. Someone said it woud help with the water. And, to the person talking about the "dead arms", I have that too, only with my legs also. It's like I am a zombie in the morning. I wake up with 200 lb arms and legs. Then, after a while they tingle and then feel somewhat normal - whatever that is. It is kind of depressing me. I am crying a lot lately and my husband doesn't know who I am. Neither do I. Most concerned about the water. I think this is probably the wrong chat for that, but, first time on. Please help. Thanks, Kat

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Complex is generally for osteoarthritis and help build up the joint cartilage damage that osteoarthritis has brought on.

I do have osteoarthritis and I've taken glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates as recommended by Dr. Jason Theodosakis. He's the doctor who first discovered this combination and wrote up his plan (#1 New York Times bestseller - The Arthritis Cure) for dealing with osteoarthritis.

I first heard about him when he was on the cover of Time Magazine in 1998. I went right out to try to buy the Glucosamine and Chondroitin but no one had heard of it yet. The recommended combo according to his book is glucosamine, chondroitin sulfates, manganese (from manganese ascorbate) and vitamin C (as ascorbyl palmitate). I had to make a special order for it. Now, of course, it's available everywhere.

Dr Theodosakis (or Dr. Theo as he's called) also conducted a study at the NIH (National Institutes of Health). The results of his study will be coming out later this month.

Like many other outstanding people, Dearest has had Dr Theo as a guest in a Power Surge chat. His transcript is available in the Power Surge Transcript Library.

Here's his basic program:

1. Have a thorough consultation with a physician.

2. Take glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates to repair damaged joints.

3. Improve your biomechanics to counteract stress to your joints.

4. Exercise regularly.

5. Eat a healthful, joint-preserving diet.

6. Maintain your ideal body weight.

7. Fight depression.

8. Use traditional medicine as necessary.

9. Maintain a positive attitude.

He also says that each of the nine points is vital to the program.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks So Much MaryO
Seems like lately I get one problem fixed & another one pops up.
Right now I think I have Rusted due to the rain we have been receiving.
I didn't know getting old could make a person feel like this!
What happened to those Golden years?

I am going to read what the Doctor Has to say!
Thats so much for sharing this link!

Angel0508

hi kat--I can sure chime in on the extra weight...for me it was 6 pounds overnight (and I have been cutting back and working out during this gain!!!) I too, feel like I am carrying the whole 6 pounds in water weight....and my tummy is fatter. If it were not for the fact that I had a tubal ligation 16+ years ago, I'd say that I was 4 months pregnant! (no period in 4 months). But I know that is not what it is....

I have posted about all of my symptoms on various topics here in the PS forums. I have a lot of them. Just trying to get through day to day.

beth

Thank you so much Pixie. X

Everything hurts and I had to have a total hip replacement in 12/28/04 when I was fifty.

Now I have carpal tunnel; everything is made doubly worse because I have had hypothyroidism since my early 30's.

It's been a day at the beach, all in all.

Welcome to Power Surge ballroomdaysareoverbaby!

First of all, I appreciate your sense of humor -- your screen name is great! I got a little chuckle when I read it.

But, I'm sorry you've having such pain. I've heard people who have had hip replacements are very happy with them. I take an exercise class with senior ladies, and many of them have had knees and hips replaced. They're always so grateful for their new joints. Are you having troubles with your new joint?

As for carpal tunnel syndrome -- I hear ya there! My right hand got so weak and painful that I changed my computer mouse over to the left hand side of my computer and began using my left hand. I practiced by playing Mahjong on the computer! My right hand is much better after about two months. I've gotten so used to using my left hand though, that I just left the mouse there.

I have pretty achy joints and I take one 500 mg. glucosamine capsule each day and this helps. In the past, I've run out of glucosamine, and the pain has returned, so I'm confident this is a good remedy for me. I'm 51, and I've heard that glucosamine works quite well for people our age, but those older, like in their 70's, it usually doesn't have any effect.

I know there's been a lot of discussion through the forums about thyroid problems. Power Surge has a great search engine, in case you can't locate those forums and threads.

RedFox

Having been menopausal for about 18mths, and having had just about every symptom on the list, thankfully most of them have now either gone or don't trouble me much. However the one I was most sceptical about was joint pain in menopause. Not any more. I had a period in January, the first for many months (none since) and started with joint pains about 2 months back. What I've noticed is that it co incides with when my period would be if I had one. Pain is quite bad especially in the morning, just aching all over and feeling sore and very tired. This lasts for about a week then subsides. Other symptoms that seem to go with it are breast soreness, and muscle twitching, so I'm convinced it must be hormonal. Had blood test for arthritis a few months back with negative result.

HI

My knees, my big toe joints, my wrists, my thumbs - this is where I have problems - mostly since peri and I also have generalised bone/joint aches and pains......feel old before my time - old crone at 45.......

Oh drat - my whole body is an ache and pain

Anyone want to swap???

Mele

HI Mele, I have the same problems. I'm 46 and I walk like a 100 yr old lady due to arthritis the past few months. My orthopedic doc recommended a handicapped plate!

Janis

I spent about 6 months feeling like my joints or muscles were 100 years old a couple years ago but it has passed. I remember thinking at the time "if this is what 40's feel like, how on earth am I going to be able to function when I hit 60's?" I never associated it with perimenopause at the time. I do remember hearing something in nursing school about an enzyme that is secreted starting in early pregnancy to loosen up and relax muscles, tendons, joints etc to prepare for the enlarging uterus. I also remember feeling achy in the pelvic joints in the first month or two of pregnancy. The signal to the body is from the elevated hormones. Our changing hormone levels are probably screwing up signals at this time in life too.

Thanks regarding "Ballroomdaysareoverbaby".........that's one of my favorite Doors/Morrison lines. His ballroom days are really long over, eh?

My new hip is fabulous; except for the scar which has faded quite a bit. I was totally houseridden before getting the hip, say about 6 months or so, and the pain so nasty (morphine did not help). Now I can pretty much walk as much as I want but I notice that if I slack off, I get a little bit tight. I try ride my Trek bike as much as possible, and with warmer weather here, this should be easier. I am not sure of the genetics of arthritis, truly, because no one in my family has it, much. But, then again, no one else in my family is left handed besides my brother.

I take primrose oil, black cohosh, and soy tabs once a day. That seems to help. The arthritic problems came on so fast, both with my back in my twenties, and the hip trouble in my 50's, like fine one day and by six months, down and out. I'm not sure but this seems like something autoimmune to me. Of course, doctors have remedies, but not many answers as there are far more questions than answers to just about anything. "The more remedies for a disease, the more incurable the problem" seems to be quite fitting.

My thyroid trouble has been ongoing since my early to mid 30's. I am up to 137 mcg of Synthroid. I was lucky to be able to have a baby, finally, when i was 36 and had my one and only dear son and child who is 16 now. I always had mood problems and I think that the thyroid was to blame for a lot of it and research is bearing this out.

We recently got a new matress which relieves pressure points on my body, and this seems to have helped. Needed a new one anyway, so we got a super orthopaedic type (not the Nasa stuff).

I had a one day period this month, so far. Let's see what happens. I'd rather not take Norethindrone for per problems if I can avoid it and have been feeling a bit less depressed of late. I still have sleep issues.

Maybe the worst is over and it will be downhill from here.

Holding my breath, Redfox!!!

Ilene

I agree that these joint pains can be connected to menopausal hormones. I have had bouts where I wake up in awful pain all over. Worried it could be fibromyalgia because at it's worst I felt bone tired as well. Now the worst seems over, but I still keep getting it occasionally. At one stage my left hand knuckles were very painful. Then shoulders, with the sore shoulder blade/burning sensation others have described. I do think with me some of it was tension whilst sleep. I did wake once to find my hand was clenched tight, so made that connection. The mysteries of menopause eh.

Hi All,

For those of you who don't know, I am a cancer research assistant. I spend many hours logged on the net reading medical literature, etc and putting reports together. I had a lightbulb moment and realized since I can do this for cancer, why not peri/meno. (DUH) I have been having horrible neck/shoulder/back muscle pains and migraines. I instinctively knew that this is all hormone connected. But, the question was how do I reverse/fix the problem.

During my searches I have found a common link for my most severe problems which to most of you will seem obvious...ESTROGEN...or more specifically...Estrogen Depletion.

What is most exciting to me though, is the amount of research finally being conducted on the Estrogen Depletion symptoms. Hopefully, this is a trend and will further encourage research to determine how to treat this. Hugs, Susan
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Two noted researchers, David T. Felson, M.D., of Boston University Clinical Epidemiology Unit, and Steven R. Cummings, M.D., of California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute and University of California, San Francisco, have thoroughly examined the evidence linking estrogen deprivation joint pain.

"Estrogen's effects on inflammation within the joint are not well known," Dr. Felson and Dr. Cummings observe. Yet, as they note, estrogen has well-established tissue-specific effects on inflammatory cytokines. Estrogen's role in joint inflammation could account for the increased sensitivity to pain that some women suffer with estrogen depletion. Citing studies of pharmacological suppression of estrogen and studies of natural menopause, the authors offer a look at compelling evidence associating estrogen deprivation with joint pain, including:

In a postmenopausal estrogen/progestin intervention trial, women who received estrogen had a significantly decrease chance of musculoskeletal symptoms--between 32 and 38 percent--compared with women randomly assigned placebo. Symptoms reported in the placebo group included joint pain, muscle stiffness, and skull and neck aching.

Dr. Felson and Dr. Cummings also highlight recent data showing that Asian women undergoing menopause have lower estradiol levels than Caucasian women and seem to be more vulnerable to a syndrome commonly known as "menopausal arthritis." They also note the high rate of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in postmenopausal women. They conclude by stressing the need for further research into the contribution of estrogen deficiency to arthritis, as well as for recognizing the risks of musculoskeletal syndrome when prescribing estrogen-depleting treatments.

Thanks for this MamaMia

I knew it MUST be hormonal - cos mine comes and goes - it is definitley worse in 2nd half of month when oetsrogen dropping and prog rising - and my reflux is worse then too - that must be effect of progesterone on system

Good to know that even though my Dr tells me this is all psychosomatic - I know I am NOT mad!

Mele

Mele,

The only common reference to psycho and peri/meno I can think of is doctors. They are psyco!!!!!

I have more info on this, but I am not sure how much to post. I don't want to break any board rules or get anyone upset with so much scientific info.

Hugs,
Susan

Hi there MamaMia,

Your references and info were great!! Now I know why I can barely walk or climb up the stairs in my house! People look at me and can't believe how my stamina has changed. I still look like the old me, but have so much pain in the muscles and joints of my legs, that my mobility is really compromised these days.

Was there any information regarding estrogen depletion and the heart or ears??? Thanks for your research work!! Celica

Hi Celica,

During research conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, scientists found that estrogen depletion results in marked increases in blood pressure, which they hope will help them understand why a woman's chances of getting high blood pressure increase considerably after menopause. Led by Liliya Yamaleyeva, M.D., the researchers measured nitric oxide, a hormone that has been found to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Three different enzymes are involved in nitric oxide formation and the researchers found that estrogen depletion augments one of the enzymes, but markedly reduces one of the others.

"We conclude that one of the nitric oxide enzymes may be an important mechanism that causes blood pressure to increase after estrogen depletion," said Yamaleyeva.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the University of Maryland Medical Center

About two years before menopause, as estrogen levels begin to decline, the levels of the harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol begin to rise and the advantageous high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decrease. HRT is known to improve cholesterol levels.

Estrogen has significant effects on smoothing, relaxing, and opening blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow and reducing pressure.

Estrogen is also an antioxidant. That is, it helps clean up particles called oxygen-free radicals that are released by natural chemical processes in the body and which can cause significant damage, including harm to the arteries.

The effects of estrogen on blood pressure are not clear. Oral contraceptives, for instance, which contain estrogen, appear to increase pressure slightly. A 2001 study, however, reported that using an estrogen patch was associated with effects on the nervous system that lower blood pressure (oral ERT had no such effect).

Estrogen affects many blood-clotting factors in the liver: It reduces blood viscosity (stickiness) and may enhance fibrinolysis, the natural process for breaking down blood clots. Unfortunately estrogen also has other actions that increase the risk for blood clots, which place specific women who take ERT at risk for thromboembolism (blood clots that block a vessel). This action may explain higher rates of adverse heart events now observed in women with heart disease who take HRT.

The results from the HERS study, the first major trial on HRT in women with pre-existing heart disease, are particularly important. They reported that these women who took HRT experienced a greater incidence of blood clots and adverse heart events than non-users with heart disease, in spite of improved cholesterol levels. Such events were highest during the first year of use. By years four and five, the rates of heart attack and death were the same in both HRT users and non-users. Other studies are also reporting similar short-term dangers and long-term benefits in women with heart disease.

The Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis (ERA) trial, measured changes in the arteries of women with established heart disease. Researchers used angiography to measure the progression of heart disease in 309 women. Although hormone therapy lowered cholesterol levels, it did not alter the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in the women receiving hormone therapy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
At menopause, estrogen levels drop precipitously. Estrogen depletion affects the blood vessels and the heart. Thirty percent of the cardiac risks attributable to estrogen loss is felt to be caused by changes of the cholesterol profile. A lack of estrogen also lessens the ability of the blood vessels to dilate and allow healthy, oxygenated blood to flow to the heart. Finally, estrogen may have a direct affect on the muscle of the heart by increasing its pumping capabilities.
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The Phytoestrogen Effect

Resveratrol is a substance that is produced by several plants and is sold as a nutritional supplement. A number of beneficial health effects, such as anti-cancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and life-prolonging effects have been reported.

Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes and as a constituent of red wine which may explain the “French paradox”: the incidence of coronary heart disease is relatively low in southern France despite high dietary intake of saturated fats.

Resveratrol is a known phytoestrogen. Therefore, diets that include Resveratrol may benefit certain conditions affected by a decrease in natural estrogen including menopause, breast cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Moderate amounts of Resveratrol can protect against estrogen depletion in the body.

Hope this answers your questions.

Hugs,
Susan

Thank-you MamaMia for that amazing information you posted!! I cannot take Estrogen due to a few medical situations, and have always wondered if I would feel better on this hormone. That was great info on Reversatrol too. I do have grape seed and skin extract capsules, and didn't realize that this is a Phytoestrogen. I hope that it is O.K. for me to at least take this, seeing that I can't take Estrogen. It is my understanding that all Phytoestrogens also block the effect of Estrogen too. What do you think of that blocking effect?? I may try to take the grape extract on a more regular basis and see what happens. Regards, Celica

Susan, thank you so much for all that useful information. It explains a lot!

Hi Celica,

Cancer and Resveratrol
Cancer is, perhaps, the most dynamic area of resveratrol research. Resveratrol is the first natural medicinal to have solid evidence behind it showing that it blocks or stops many stages of cancer. Resveratrol not only prevents cancer, it’s being proposed as an additional treatment.

The number of studies has exploded in the past three years, with the depth of knowledge about this polyphenol increasing with each report. Resveratrol is a broad-spectrum agent that stops cancer in many diverse ways, from blocking estrogen and androgens to modulating genes.

Some of the latest information about it shows that resveratrol causes a unique type of cell death, and kills cancer cells whether they do or do not have the tumor suppressor gene, p53. It also works whether cancer cells are estrogen receptor-positive or negative.

In addition to these findings, researchers are beginning to uncover the ability of resveratrol to augment other chemotherapies. For example, vitamin D3 converts to a steroid that inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have shown that resveratrol increases the effects of vitamin D. Other research shows that it causes drug-resistant non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer cells to become susceptible to chemotherapeutic drugs (Gemcetabine, Navelbine, cisplatinum, Paclitaxel, and TRIAL).

Researchers in Austria have done elaborate studies showing that resveratrol blocks the ability of cancer cells to metastasize to bone (30-71%). The highest results were for pancreas, breast, and renal cancer. Prostate and colon cancers were also inhibited, but not as much.

Resveratrol also acts against a component of the Western diet that promotes cancer cell growth: linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is converted to arachidonic, which is converted to hormone-like substances (such as prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4) that can promote inflammatory processes that stimulate cancer cell growth, among other things. It has been demonstrated that the Western diet can cause colon cancer in rodents without any other chemical or factor being necessary.

In a study from Japan, resveratrol in an amount easily obtained by supplementation, inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells, and blocked the growth-promoting effects of linoleic acid from the Western diet.

Resveratrol works against a wide range of cancers, both at the preventive and treatment stages. Its ability to stop cancer is connected to its capability, first, to distinguish a cancer cell from a normal cell. Unlike chemotherapeutic drugs that affect normal as well as cancer cells, resveratrol does not damage healthy cells.

Not only is it not harmful to normal cells, it protects them. Second, resveratrol is sophisticated in its actions. It doesn’t just scavenge free radicals, it activates and deactivates critical enzymes and genes, hormones and chemicals.

Hope this answers your question.

Hugs, Susan

ps:There is currently alot of research involving resveratrol and Alzheimer’s, Heart/Blood Vessels (heart disease and the "French Paradox"),Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke and a "longevity gene".

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and BIOMOL Research Laboratories have demonstrated that resveratrol activates a “longevity gene” in yeast that extends life span by 70%. The effects mimic those of calorie restriction, the only proven way of extending maximum life span. Resveratrol activates one of the same “sirtuin (SIR)” genes as calorie restriction. Although the research has only been done in yeast, flies and worms so far, humans have their own version of the same life span-extending gene.*

Thanks again MamaMia, You are absolutely a great wealth of information!! This Resveratrol ( from grape skins ) just sounds terrific for cancer situations. Do you think that it will make estrogen-dependant fibroids grow bigger??? If it is a Phytoestrogen, I am assuming that it will have a blocking effect on the Xenoestrogens and excess estrogen that may perhaps be in our bodies, which feed these nasty non-malignant tumors.
Hope that you read my recent note to you in the thread "Ears Roaring..." - it may help your painful neck too!! Celica

Hi,
Can identify with all that - am new to this site but how brilliant to find it (have just worked out how to post!).
I have to unfold myself in the morning (after bouts of insomnia) as everything is painful - once I get going it eases but oh! to be able to jump out of bed again! Hmmm! sorry dreaming and forgetting that I am 51!!
I experience hot flashes, bug crawling on my back, painful knees, a burning sensation on the side of my right foot, general foot pain - very hard to find shoes that are comfortable all day. Still manage to keep smiling tho'!
to all and thanks for helping me keep my sanity!

After putting up with awful joint and muscle pain and tiredness for months, which at first came and went but then it was there all the time, I started to look into fibromyalgia. Some but not all my symtoms fitted. Had blood tests for arthritis - all negative. As a last resort, and after managing without HRT so far, I'd had enough and asked my doctor to let me try it - partly out of curiousity. After a week my pain has almost gone. Some other meno symptoms are still there though not as bad. I've started to look into the connection and causes and it seems stress/anxiety plays a part, as does sleep deprivation, and there's a genetic link too. I don't want to make the choice though between HRT or that awful pain, so i'm hoping to find a better solution.

Just like to add, I discovered an article on the web, which links increased pain sensitivity at menopause with declining hormones. It says that pain receptors in the brain and spinal chord are affected by hormone levels and this could explain why women are more sensitive to pain around a period. Something to do with the body's natural pain relief chemicals endorphins and would explain why excercise can be helpful. This sounds pretty convincing to me, and explains why HRT has helped my symptoms.

Has anyone here ever has tendonitis behind their knee?
ive been having achyness behind my right knee and i went to the ER yesterday b/c i was afraid it was a blood clot (always the worst case scenario for me) and the doc told me he was convinced it wasnt a clot but tendonitis. i looked on the internet for it and it didnt mrntion behind the knee as a typical place to get it , so im scared again that its a clot. the pain was worse last night and was radiating up the back of my thigh and also down into my calf and also i felt it radiate around to the front and sides of my knee and thigh. is this normal if it is tendonitis? im so sick of living in fear of my health so much! i second-guess everything the dr. says and end up asking other dr.s and nurses the same questions over and over to see if i get the same answers just to be reassured. i cant let things go until im satisfied that enough of them agree on the same thing. its crazy and frustrating for me not to mention my husband who gets frustrated about all the ER visits and i still dont relax. i wish my mind didnt work like this! i know its out of control and im blowing thins out of proportion even while im doing it but i cant help it, ill be a nervous wreck and panicky until i get the reassurances i need. anyone have any experience with the tendonitis?

Hi sudio1

I haven't experienced tendonitis of the knee but have been dealing with elbow/arm tendonitis for months now. I was sent by my GP to the hospital for testing to rule out blood clots. If they didn't do this at the ER maybe you could ask for it just for your peace of mind. Our peri minds always tend to think the worse don't we?
The pain can be very bad from tendonitis and the imflammation can spread so I'm not surprised you experiencing pain in other areas then just the knee. With my elbow tendonitis the pain spreads throughout the whole arm. I have't found much to help expect taking anti-imflammatories when needed. Some people say ice it..others say heat. Maybe bracing the knee would help? So many of us in meno seem to be having these joint/muscle problems that I'm convinced my bout of tendonitis is connected. Wish I could help you more sudio1 but just wanted to let you know I understand what your going through and I hope it starts to feel better soon.

Take Care
Cathy

Thanks Cathy, i went in to see my reg. dr. yesterday and he sent me to the hospital for an ultrasound to rule out a clot and he thought i had a " bakers cyst" , whatever that is. but the test showed nothing at all wrong thank God. so now i just wait to see if it improves this week and go back in for an MRI if it doesnt. he wants to check the joint and tendons with that. so i feel very relieved! it was awful yesterday thinking of the possibility of a clot. i was thinking about the drugs i would have to take to get rid of the clot and was convinced they would kill me b/c i have bad reactions to everything out there and i imagined telling all of my children goodbye from my hospital bed before i let them give it to me. it was such a traumatic thing for me, im still scared and shook up about going thru it. ive decided im going to start taking an aspirin a day to minimize rhe chances of clots in the future. thank you again for your post Cathy. susan

i've had gradual onset of joint pain & muscle achiness as i've moved into what i assume to be greater hormonal fluctuations. initially the pain/achiness was so minor (though odd) i didn't make any connections. but after trying Yaz (low-dose birth control pill) in an attempt to stabilize the fluctuations, i had very severe side effects. these included severe joint/muscle pain/achiness, so much so, i was convinced that i was coming down with the flu (this was accompanied by hot flashes & chills, though temp was normal). i won't even get into the mood/emotional state. didn't make it more than 5 days on the treatment & everything went back to normal when i stopped.

tylenol doesn't even dent the pain. but i have found that a tablespoon of rosemary oil in a hot bath works wonders for me. so far i've just been waiting it out - thankfully, i can count on the pain not lingering for too long.

Has anyone here ever has tendonitis behind their knee?

I think we are Siamese twins seperated at birth. I am exactly the same way. Sounds like my Obcessive Compulsive Disorder. Runs in my family. My mom's problem was germs but mine is health related. Sure makes this perimenopause crap ever harder. My legs knees, feet, ankles, etc ache so badly. The Advil hurts my stomach. I am a mess. and worry?????Constantly

I believe joint/muscle pain is directly linked to estrogen drop, initially I had it really bad. But after 3 years, I get it only before TOM and it is very mild. When I tried BHRT with progesterone, pain was unbearable. I suspect progesterone makes it worse, I recall being pregnant, I had bad muscle and joints aches too.
I don't take any NSAIDs, there are really nasty medications. I started swimming, stretching, exercising, and this helped tremendously with tight and achy muscles and joint pain. Get the blood going to those joints" yoga, tai chi, walking, whatever you can fit into your lifestyle, and you will see the difference.
Traditional Chinese Medicine links poor circulation (blood stagnation) to achy/tight muscles and painful joints. It is all linked together, this is how our body works. In other words: use it, or lose it.
And trust me, I was in such a bad pain, that I could barely hold back tears, but good news: it has gotten soo much better. So, hang in there. Worries and fears make it all worse. I hope you feel better soon.
best,
I.

Hi Kat-

I had to respond because I am 41 and having most of the 34 symptoms listed on the site as well. I have gained weight (seemingly overnight)esp around the middle. I'm bloated and totally retaining water.shuffling around like and old woman, am irritable, crying, foreign in my own skin and wondering,what the heck! Today, I went to the dr. because my left hand cramped then my veins bulged in my hand and my left arm began to swell, for no apparent reason. Saw two docs today, no answers. AHHHHHH! My hand is still tingling. Both my hands and feet have been doing that for the last 6 weeks but the swelling today was a new treat.
I am sure sorry for all that you're going through and I will be praying for you. I know that "I don't know who I am anymore" feeling all too well. God bless this site and the opportunity to talk, let it out and maybe find answers.

TMW(Tami)