Joint pain and menopause

Joint pain can be a symptom of the menopause

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Joint pain is one of the more common menopause symptoms and it can be one of the more debilitating as it reduces mobility and flexibility. Here, our menopause expert Eileen Durward talks about what triggers joint pain in the menopause, and how it can be eased through lifestyle changes and natural remedies.

Ask our menopause expert Eileen your question.

Eileen talks about: Joint pain

An introduction to joint pain and menopause

Joint pain affects many people as they get older and is also common among menopausal women. Aches, stiffness and swelling around the joint and sometimes heat are typical symptoms of menopausal joint pain. These may be worse in the morning, improving as the day continues.

Joints which experience high impact such as the hips and knees tend to be most affected by this so called ’menopausal arthritis.’ Hands and fingers can also be affected. High impact exercise such as jogging can exacerbate the problem, although this is often eased with rest.

The hormone oestrogen has an important role in maintaining joint and bone health. It is not certain how it does this, but it is thought that it works by minimising swelling around the joint. As you reach the menopause, levels of oestrogen in your body begin to drop. This gives rise to common menopause symptoms including hot flushes and night sweats, and may also result in swollen and painful joints.

Dehydration can also cause joint pain because of a build up of uric acid which can cause inflammation in your joints. Oestrogen is also important for regulating fluid levels in your body, and with falling levels of the hormone, you find that your body is unable to retain water efficiently.

Diet, lifestyle and home remedies for joint pain

It is important to reduce the pressure of repetitive strain, such as jogging on hard roads, to protect your joints. At the same time though, keeping them flexible will reduce joint pain. Some exercises such as yoga and swimming are beneficial for strengthening your muscles and joints without exerting too much pressure on them.

Diet can have a positive influence on your joint health. Many fruit and vegetables have properties which reduce inflammation. Having a balanced diet is not only healthy and will help you with many menopause symptoms, but will keep your weight level correct. Being overweight will add extra stress onto your joints, increasing your problem.

Calcium is particularly important as it keeps your bones strong and healthy. As you are going through the menopause you may find a calcium supplement beneficial. However, for calcium to be absorbed into your bloodstream effectively, it is important to also have a high intake of magnesium, achieved by including nuts, wholegrains and dried fruit into your diet.

Alternatively, taking a calcium and magnesium supplement would provide some of the same benefits. Some women find that taking magnesium on its own is very effective, as it helps to relax tense muscles.

Stress, surprisingly, can have a negative effect on your joint health. If you are experiencing a lot of stress, your body will release high quantities of the hormone cortisol. This hormone works as an inflammatory agent, and so high levels of stress during the menopause will only make your joint pain worse. It is important if you tend to experience stress to take time to relax every day.

Alternative treatments such as massage or acupuncture help many women with their joint pain symptoms. They directly target the area of pain in order to ease the symptom.

Are there herbal remedies to help me?

Some women might experience ‘rheumatic’ type pains coming from the inside of a joint. This is where Devil’s Claw can help – it has a similar effect to that of steroids, although without the steroidal compounds, so without the associated side effects. The herb is gentle to the body and may take up to 4 weeks to work its way into the body.

Eileen's TOP TIP: Devil’s Claw is best taken after food. If your joint pain is troublesome, start off with a higher dose of Devil’s Claw. Take two tablets twice daily of Atrosan for 3 to 5 days, then 1 tablet twice daily.

Atrosan^® – Devil’s Claw tablets for muscle and joint pains

Relieves muscle & joint pain, backache and lumbago. Also available in 60 tablet size. More info

What about conventional medicine?

Conventional medicines for joint pain include painkillers and anti-inflammatories. However, they are not usually recommended for joint pain associated with the menopause as the pain is a symptom rather than the cause itself. To treat menopausal joint pain, your doctor may consider the use of HRT.

If your pain is severe, and home and herbal remedies are ineffective, then there may be another underlying cause. In this case, or if you are worried about your condition, it is important to talk to your doctor as he will be able to prescribe a treatment to help you.

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Alita — 08.11.2018 01:40
Hi it’s been a hard two months for me. Woke up one morn8ng and could barely walk, my legs, thighs, arms made me feel like I worked out all night. Hot flashes started to increase. I thought I was go8ng to die. I started taking Citracal Calcium Citrate Supplements with manganese and zinc. Still waiting for my joints to feel better,if I sit too long i my joints get so stiff until I start walking.... I fear I will never feel 100% again. I turn 49 this year.
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- Eileen — 08.11.2018 11:54
  Hi Alita It is important to go and see your doctor about this. Any sudden appearence of joint pain could indicate other health issues such as low iron, low thyroid function or low vitamin D, your doctor can test for these just to rule them out. In the meantime I have posted a more comprehensive video blog on how you can help yourself so please do take a look. http://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/eileens-blog/2015/12/a-vogels-menopause-mondays-joint-aches-pains/
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- Caprice — 27.11.2018 18:59
  Omg! I feel the same way! I’ve had terrible headaches! My back knees, and legs hurt! I have been feeling like my life is ending. I’ve had MRI’s, Ct’s, blood work. I’ve been feeling like I will never be 100% again too! I just turned 49 last month! I am beginning to think the doctors and everyone else thinks I am crazy!
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- Alita Barbee — 27.11.2018 23:53
  Yep- I thought I was dying too. I started taking a Citracal supplement with D3. I have to say it has helped.
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- Sherrie — 15.12.2018 18:55
  I thought I was going crazy..I woke up one morning about 2 months ago and my knees hips ankles shoulder and back were in so much pain. My knees hips and back severely. I just turned 49 know September and I feel so helpless some days. I dont know what to do.
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- Eileen — 17.12.2018 09:50
  Hi Sherrie Hopefully the tips above will be of benefit for you but if you are worried please see your doctor as well.
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- Britta — 18.01.2019 00:35
  That happened with me at 47. I got real hormones, hrt, and the aches went away. When I forget to take the pill, the joint pain comes back immediately.
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Leondra Roberts — 19.10.2018 17:42
Hi it’s been one year since I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer at 45. I had optimal full debulking surgery followed by chemo. I am so sore all the time and can not take any oestrogen as this is the hormone that caused my cancer. Do you have any advice that might help my mobility?
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- Eileen — 22.10.2018 08:24
  Hi Leondra The herb Devils Claw is often used for joint and/or muslce pain and fish oil supplements are known to help with mobility but you would need to discuss using these with your doctor or consultant first. Acupuncture can often be effective so worth looking into especially if you can find a practitioner who specialised in pain management. You can find a local practitioner through www.acupuncture.org.uk
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- Rachel — 05.01.2019 18:00
  Hi leondra , ive been searching for advice too after i was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a year ago . After my operation and 6 rounds of chemo i have a lot of joint pain from my waist down and unsure if it was connected to chemo or menopause and not sure what i can or cannot take . Ive tried massage and centrum vitamins as well as vitamin d . Ive had alot of advice but nothing seems to of helped so like you im looking for advice . I hope your doing well now xx
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- Eileen — 07.01.2019 07:36
  Hi Rachel, The advice I have given above may help you too, but (as explained above) you will need to talk it through with your consultant too.
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Laura — 09.07.2018 04:06
June of 2016 I had a total hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries. I was 54 yrs of age & in peri menopausal stage. I went into surgical menopause which the last two years until presently it’s been and is a HUGE challenge for me with the symptoms since shortly after my hysterectomy. If I could go back in time I never would have had my ovaries out! Unfortunately, I was not educated enough regarding the ramifications from the removal of the ovaries along with uterus. I’ve developed joint pain in my legs on a frequent basis with sometimes it’s debilitating where my feet, or my calves my joints, and hip hurt so much I can barely walk! It’s unfortunate that it’s a “catch 22”, with taking hormone replacement or not! I now have increased anxiety including panic attacks, ansomina, dry eyes with pain behind my eyes and all the joint pain including hot flashes! Not to mention I become very scattered with my fogged memory! Every now and then, I say to my husband, “ I feel fantastic today”!!! This is when I don’t have any pains in any joints and I feel on top of the world! I feel clear headed with so much energy and feel myself ! Unfortunately, this is far and few and in between these symptoms! I’m a very positive, truly happy and have lots of energy and full of joy and life! This has been and is a battle that I pray I get the right person to guide me in the right direction so I can feel the fullness of my health which I’m used too! I changed my Gynecologist as there was no directions with my menapause at all except for him to prescribe estrodoil and tell me to google things regarding obtaining things I can do. I then changed Gynecologist and she left the practice and went to work in Another area of Florida. Just about 2 months ago I began the bio identical hormones. Estrace, estrogen cream and progesterone capsule daily. I still get hot flashes recently again, some horrible and some mild. And the joint pain along with my tightness in the calf are frustrated to me. Any feedback is extremely appreciated!!
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- Eileen — 10.07.2018 10:45
  Hi Laura Unfortunately, a total hysterectomy can cause a number of problems which can be hard to resolve. Suddenly losing the main source of hormones will fling you straight into a full menopause and this can not only drain you of energy very quickly but can also really stress the nervous system. This can then be compounded by the sudden appearance of menopause symptoms. This scenario of symptoms stressing the nervous system and the nervous system causing more symptoms or making the ones you have worse can quickly become a vicious cycle that you can't break out of. I would suggest going to see a Naturopathic Doctor, they can offer advice on supporting and strengthening the nervous system including treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies and diet support. By treating the whole body this can often help to reduce symptoms effectively. In the meantime remember to drink lots of plain water for the joints, take a magnesium supplement 200mg twice a day and a fish oil 1000mg twice a day, both with food and overhaul your diet to include lots of fresh foods. Avoid caffeine, white carbs, sugar and high salt foods. Rest and relaxation is important to allow your body to re-balance itself. Do let me know how you get on.
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- Laura — 11.07.2018 03:13
  Thank you so much Eileen for all your helpful feedback and recommendations. It does feel like a vicious cycle with the several symptoms I have gotten since my total hysterectomy. I will see a Naturopathic Doctor along with acupuncture. It’s interesting that you are the third person that spoke of acupuncture within the last couple weeks. I do take 1200 mg of calcium each day, 1000 mg of vitamin D3 and magnesium every day. I will alter some of my foods and beverages. Typically, I eat healthy food, however, I do eat foods with too much salt, I eat some foods with white flour and Diet Coke with caffeine. I will eliminate these foods as much as possible and replace with healthy foods. I will drink more natural water, more fruits and vegetables etc...I do eat these healthy foods, however, I should eliminate the not so good foods. The biggest challenge for me is the joint pain in my legs and feet and the anxiety I get. I am going to do all I possibly can as I want to feel way better than I have. I’m a very active healthy positive person and desire to feel great physically like I always use too! Thank you again for taking the time to respond which means a lot to me! I’m grateful for your wealth of knowledge in caring to share so much knowledge with me and so many others!
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- Eileen — 11.07.2018 09:11
  Hi Laura You're welcome!
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- Lisa — 19.12.2018 13:19
  Please add potassium to your list of supplements. You should be getting 4700 mg per day of potassium...maybe more since hot flashes make you sweat it out. Black beans (black turtle beans) contain 2,760 mg per cup, an avocado has almost 900, Jerusalem artichokes have nearly 900 too. When progesterone levels fall, potassium is harder to absorb. Additionally, when estrogen levels fall, magnesium becomes harder to absorb. Make sure you are getting a lot of fermented food to ensure proper breakdown and absorption of your vitamins and minerals. Gut bacteria is just as important, if not more so, than your vitamins. If it isn't there, vitamins and minerals will not help your body. Additionally, check out Lugol's iodine. Iodine is a building block in your body. Mist people barely get enough. Looking up Iodine protocol and review testimonials for it on Amazon. Good luck! Hope this journey is over soon!
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