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does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Posted by antiquer (My Page) on Thu, May 18, 06 at 11:17
| After sitting for a while I can hardly get up and walk. I am so stiff but gets better after I am walking for awhile. When I wake up in the morning my hands are all stiff and achey. Now my elbows are starting to bother me too. Wondering if anyone else is experiencing this kind of problem. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| My problem has been with my back and legs. I can't sit for too long without having to get up and walk around to loosen everything up. Don't know if it's menopause-related, or arthritis, or age (I'm only 51). |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Right before I developed fibromyalgia, I started getting very stiff after I would work. Eventually, it got so that no matter how long or short I had sat down in a chair, I could hardly get up, without incredible amounts of pain and stiffness. It sort of comes and goes, but mostly stays around. Mine started in my late 40's. I've noticed that my stiffness is much worse when I eat sweets/carbs and alot of salt. Also, I found out my kneecaps are off center, which I guess can cause alot of problems in that entire area. But yes, stiffness seems to be part of losing our hormones......but maybe just for some of us.
I swear, I get rigor mortis when I sit down! At it's worst, I kept a cane close by, to help me up. Bummer! |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Well, estrogen makes our ligaments loose... which is why we are usually more flexible than men....
I get these wierd muscle cramps... it's not from lack of water or potassium, the doctor can't figger it out. It's painful. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I too, am having joint and muscle pain. I am keeping active but it doesn't seem to help although I suppose it could be worse. I also have itchy skin - and intolerance to hot sun. All these symptons seem to dominant my life and make it quite hard to get on with other things. Does anyone else feel overwhelmed? |
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| I thought I was losing my mind!! I stopped taking BC pill six months ago and menopause has hit me "like a ton of bricks"!! I have muscle aches and bone and joint pain. I wake up in the night with an ache in my hips so bad I can barely move. My neck is also stiff when I wake up. During the day when I sit for a period of time, getting myself moving is a task in itself. It's like I've petrified! I have been going to a massage therapist for deep tissue massage which helps for a couple of days, but after that, it's back to the same pain. I cannot afford to do this regularly. I have been taking fibroplex, but this does not seem to help. My elbows, knees, hip, neck and feet are always in terrible pain. My body feels like I am an old woman (only 45). It concerns me that I will be unable to get around in a few years. I have not been to a doctor yet, thinking it has to do with menopause, but I guess it could be fibromyalgia. If anyone knows of any help for this, I would love to hear it!! I am tired of being in constant pain. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| ditto to all the ailments mentioned..its so frustrating to feel so bad so often.. My joints do not begin to loosen any until 10:00am each morning and thats on good days..lol.. I take Advil ALOT, which can't be good, but its better than constant pain..it seems when one thing subsides another is aching to take its place! I get some real bad foot cramps and even the toes start twisting..you know how they just jam up and go in different directions and get paralyzed? of course you do..so when the foot cramps hit, I have to stand up and get them worked out, knowing that the hips dont even want to stand up, much less the lower back...and omg, rainy,damp, days are killers..so yea, I can sympathize with you all.. I know everything got worse when I entered menopause and I have been into it for 7 years now! The aches and pains are bad enough without even going into the other symptoms..no wonder they locked women up 100 years ago..they not only thought they had went nuts but so did the people around them... just remember you are not crazy and your ailments are real. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Read my post above titled "No more hot flashes". I had those aches and now they are gone. Too much to type again so just scroll to that post. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I did read it and I also believe what works for one person does not work for another during this stage of change. I am glad you found improvement. In order for any diet to work, it takes a total life style change and total commitment on the part of the dieter..Some people cannot adjust to the menus, etc. for various reasons... I applaud your determination and the results you have found. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I had the problems that some of you did. I was only 46 and could not walk without pain. The pain woke me up at night. I felt locked up when I sat for awhile. I finally found out I had a Vitamin D deficiency. I had never heard of it before, but the doctor started me on supplements, and I got better. It's taken a couple years to fully recover, but it was such an awful time that when I saw your posts, I thought I'd just let you all know that you should ask your doctor to test your Vitamin D level. I hope everyone feels better soon! It doesn't have to be this way! |
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| I'm the same way with most the above symptoms and approaching 50. The main problem I have is the bottom/bones of my feet hurt so much when I stand and walk. I also wake in the night with sharp pain in my feet. I am going to ask my physician about Vitamin D! I have also been having trouble with migraines that last on and off for about a month - twice a year for the last three. I had never had so much as a headache before hitting menopause. These migraines not only cause head pain (mostly the left eye area), but I have sharp pains that seem to circle my head. The worse part is the numbness and tingling I get in my face, hands, leg and feet. Menopause is not fun, and I would give anything to have a period every month again! |
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| Oh my gosh! I just found this forum and you girls are describing so many of my symptoms. People look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them that my feet/heels hurt so bad in the morning. If I sit more than 30 minutes, I am stiff. My fingers have been getting numb and sometimes they tingle. Every joint in my body is sore most of the time. Anyway, thanks to all of you for helping me to not feel so stupid and neurotic. I am a breast cancer survivor so I am on Tamoxifen to block estrogen. On top of that, I had a hysterectomy, so there is very little estrogen in my body and I think I'm feeling the effects. The thing is...no one told me I would have all of those symptoms--no one. Yes, I was told about the hot flashes I'd have with chemo but none of the other stuff. I diet constantly and work out for 1 - 1 1/2 hours nearly every day and cannot lose weight. My gyn just told me "It gets harder". I don't think my body can take any more than I'm giving it now. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| It is scary. I feel the same way. I even went to a rheumatologist to make sure I didn't have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia or anything else! He said it's osteoarthritis in my knee and foot. But my hands hurt, my feet hurt, my elbows hurt! My skin is hot and sensitive. I don't want to be a hypochodriac! The doc did say I was low on Vitamin D too. Maybe we have found a thread of hope here! |
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| check the drug Mobic out.....it is an anti-inflamatory. My DH and I both take the 15MG tablets. wonderful drug. Tell your physician you would like to try it....... Rosie |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I am experiencing the same things as noted above, the achey body,the sore joints and the sore feet. I have gained at least 45 pounds in 9 months and I am tired all the time. I had a hysterectomy almost 5 years ago, and I am no longer on HRT due to pain from endometriosis tissue that is attached to stomache and bowel area. I have had all sorts of test, and had been to the Endocrinologist to check for hypothroidism and my coritsol levvel is currently being checked. I am at my wits end also. I don't feel as if my husband understands, unless it has a name to it. I have no energy to do anything. I need help or resources so please, let me know if anyone has any advice or help. I would love support just as well. It does help to talk to others so you don't feel alone. |
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| I am 49. I used to walk every day at lunchtime to keep my weight down and stay fit. About 2-3 years ago, I started having pain in my feet - the entire bottom surface hurts when I walk, and sometimes the toes tingle. I have spent a small fortune on inserts and new shoes, thinking that was the problem, and nothing helps. Upon awakening, those first steps are really painful. So, I gained weight, because I can't walk, which leads to depression, more weight gain. Damn. Currently, my back is also giving me real problems. I have had my first blood tests recently and am awaiting the results and consultation with doctor. Curiously, I go through weeks where I have pain, for example, in my hip, then it goes away, as suddenly as it came. Then, I have pain in my arm, for weeks then goes away. I read somewhere that this is known as "travelling arthritis". Has anyone else heard of it? I haven't had a period since last December - so I am counting the days now until it's a year. On and off, I feel like maybe I am ovulating, but nothing happens - just like another person mentioned here. This forum is great, if only to know that we are not alone with these strange symptoms. Anna |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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All of this sounds like my life(feet,back,knees,neck,fingers like every joint in your body that can hurt: does.My other problem is I have to take coumadin every day because of a artificial heart valve so that knocks out some of the meds on the market,does anybody else have this problem.Sometimes I just want to give up because it hurts so bad,I hope all you guys still check this post.I came across it looking for muscle relief....I'm 59 yrs old and been going through this for 6 yrs.
Linda |
does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I just found this page and hope it's not a dead site - so Hi to cammasue in case you check back here. This is my life also - started 2 years ago, I'm 49 now, with the bottoms of my feet in pain like a few of the other women here. It progressed to joint/muscle pain - stabbing pains out of nowhere and aching joints from my fingers to hips. So far I've found what helps is to take a scrip strength ibuprofen every other day, 800mg. I saw a podiatrist months ago when I couldn't stand the foot pain anymore. I went to physical therapy as recommended- which helped a great deal. I only went about 6-7 times as the co-pay was getting expensive, but that was enough to make a big difference in the pain. I just started getting gentle massages & the 1st one seems to have helped as the muscle pain was a lot less for several days after. (Lucky to have a massage therapist in the family). Heat also helps & sometimes I'll take the hot water bottle into bed with me. It's such a struggle to accept this huge shift from pain free (relatively) to (almost) constant pain. I see my Dr pretty regularly and went to a rheumatologist a few years ago, and I do have arthritis but they've not found anything else wrong so this seems to be from the changing hormonal levels. Crazy. I found some guided imagery tapes and I'm optimistic about some relief after using them for a while also. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Three months after by periods stopped, my feet started to hurt so much in the evening I would limp, my legs also lost strength. I have been to a regular doctor, pain management doctor, chiropractor, and a foot surgeon. I have had a MRI and X-rays on my feet. I have also been to a neurosurgeon and he did a nerve test with negative results. They found nothing wrong. I have had this for 15 months now. I bought shoe inserts ($200) and expensive tennis shoes. I am now going to a therapist and he suggested that my hormones or lack of hormones have attacked by muscles and tendons of my feet and legs and he is now trying to stretch my muscles and do therapy on them three times a week. They are starting to feel better. He also has me on a non steroid anti inflammatory pill. After reading everyone’s comments I feel he has found my problem that no one else has been able to find. It is so disheartening to go to one doctor after another and they all think you are crazy. Hope this at least helps one person out there! |
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| Thank you Suerauch as this helps to confirm what my thoughts have been, but haven't had a Dr.tell me either. As I mentioned in my post - I went to foot therapy also and they did deep stretchingg (it hurt!) but it really helped the pain to subside. Best wishes to everyone dealing with these various pain issues and hang in there while you seek a treatment that works. |
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| OMG! I am so glad to find this forum. I have been having foot pain and it is hard for me to walk at first after sitting. I have to limp around until my feet get used to walking. My foot pain is at the back of the arch right before the front of the heel on the inside of both feet. They are even tender if I massage them. I also have pain in my hips and once I stand up, I have to get the hips back in line, I am 52. I have been going through menopause for a couple of years, so maybe it is hormone or lack of hormone related. Look forward to reading any advise you all can provide. Thanks! |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Hi,
Don't know if we can name products here but here's what gave me relief. For my hot achy feet I used Dermal therapy Heel Care cream.I just used it like hand cream on my feet. At first every evening. Now a couple times a week. I got mine in the pharmacy section at Wal-Mart.I did the orthicas(sp) (cost a fortune) only got a little relief. I also take a magnesium tablet each evening, not calcium/mag. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Well, I also have been dealing with these issues for 3 years. No MD knows what I am talking about. I believe it is all caused by menopause, and I have found a few remedies.
I think the foot issues are called "plantar fascitis". Look it up. I found that ice helped the best, along with good support comfortable shoes. That eventually subsided, then on to the muscle spasms... I found Magnesium Glycinate to help that, along with some calcium and make sure I am getting adequate potassium in my food. These all affect muscles and seem to help me, though if I miss a day of magnesium, the cramps return. I have heard previous generations of women speak of drinking Quinine water (tonic water).
I am still dealing with the muscle stiffness, especially upon initiating movement from sitting. I have found a physical therapist who is successfully addressing the symptoms with systematic gentle stretching exercises, and it is taking awhile, but making a huge difference. It is great to hear of others with my same problems. I knew I wasn't the only one, but when the doctor just looks at you, one wonders! |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I have the same problems you all are talking about. The pain on the bottom of my feet (plantar fasciitis) is so bad, at times, I can barely walk. No strength. Muscles sore. And more. I can go on and on. It all got worse at the onset of perimenopause (everything came to a head then because of all the hormone craziness, I believe); and all these symptoms finally made me get a full thyroid panel. Now every time I hear about symptoms like mine, I think 'thyroid'. If you get your thyroid checked, get more than just TSH - get Free T3, Free T4 and antibodies checked. And yes, Vit D (I was low, and brought mine up with supplements); and ferritin, and B12 (both of mine were/are low). Just to be on the safe side. Oh, one big clue that I have thyroid problems (Hashimoto's) was that I have a low body temperature. Hope this helps someone. |
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| I'm 52, not sure if I've yet gone through menopause (has not been a year), and I'm having exactly the symptoms described here. I have long suspected low/changing hormone levels, but this is the first place I've seen this discussed. A few things that have helped me: yoga four times a week, good orthodics in my hiking boots, and Trameel Ointment (a homeopathic anti-inflamatory and analgesic). Thanks for the hints. I'm going to get my Vit D and thyroid checked. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| It is so great to read all these posts - not to think other people are suffering - but to realise there are some common symptoms to this transition - menopause. I am about 18 months into it, not having had a period for 12 months. However, it was very sporadic for the few years before. My main symptoms are the muscle and joint aches and stiffness and the breast swelling. I have tried Wild Yam cream and it helps at times if I use much more than the recommended amount. It supposedly brings the progesterone up but my doctor says there is no evidence of this. Also the evening primrose oil and fish oil combination does seem to make a difference - I guess the hardest thing is just not having the energy levels I had two years ago. I want to do all these things but have no ummfph! And my interest in sex has gone out the window. My doc says all this is natural but how does that actually help. They don't seem to be able to say - it is the low eostrogen that causes one thing and the progesterone another or the calcium or Vit. D. etc. so that you can systematically address it. I am finding it really confusing and frustrating. |
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| I have nasty shoulder pain in both shoulders to the point that when I go to bed at night, I'm dreading getting up in the morning because I know it will hurt- some mornings not so bad, other mornings to the point that it literally wakes me up- elbow pain, pain in the tops of my hands, it just sucks and makes me feel old, and like my warranty is up and things are falling apart, lol- I suspect arthritis, as my mom had lupus and I know that if you are related to someone who has it, your chances of arthritis are higher...lovely! |
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| Friends, I thought that I was dying. I turned 54 this month (Dec 2008) and have been literally knocked off my feet with all of the symptoms you describe. I take Omega 3, CaltraCal with Vit D, Liquid Multi-Vits, Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Some days are good, but mostly plagued with stiffness and pain. I've talked to a number of family and friends who have gone through menopause but not had the symptoms I'm experiencing, so it's been a godsend to happen upon this site. |
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| Just wanted to chime in. I am peri-menopausal...turned 50 in June. I have been having joint pains for two years - shoulder and knee. In April my doc said my Vitamin D was way low, so she ordered me to take 1000 IU each day. In September I started low-impact aerobics, which hurt my knee, so I started taking Glucosamin/Chondroitin and I also started swimming, which in the beginning hurt my shoulder. Now the shoulder pain is diminished and I think swimming is the cure. My range of motion is greatly improved. I have not noticed knee pain lately. Just FYI. |
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| I have terrible joint and muscle pain, as well. I have to say, first off, that I am un-insured and haaven't been to a Dr. in a long time, like 2 years, so I have been going through all this, the pain, the flashes, the reduced libido, on my own. My husband used to be a nurse so he understands. But I hurt so much all of the time that I think he believes I am an hypochondriac. Just reading all of your posts has made me feel so much better because I know now that I am not alone. I cried real tears of relief and I am not a crybaby by nature. Thanks to one and all! And Happy Holidays! |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Hi, I am also looking for answers. I am 52. I have lead a pretty active life and in my mid 40s, I got into road biking and snowboarding. I was riding around 40 miles a ride ..100 miles a week. Eighteen months ago I was taken off My birth control pill Mirocette(which I was on for about 7 years) and was thrown into menopause. For the first month, my hormones went into a rage, My moods went to extremes ..My body was always jittery. Terrible Hot flashes. I never had trouble sleeping until then. I just could not stay asleep at nite. I would lay there watching the clock and waiting to fall asleep. I would finally doze off and immediately jump awake and be wide awake watching the clock..this went on for at least a month..I got NO sleep. The problem compounded because I just dreaded bedtime. I anticipated Not being able to sleep. This started to ease up after a month but then I started having wild dreams all nite long. Besides these problems I started having the same symptoms that I have been reading about here..The horrible muscle aches. It all hit me that month and 18 months later, I'm still waiting and hoping it will go away. My arm and leg muscles just ache all the time.My fingers and toes feel swelled and always have burning tingling sensations. I have no strength like I used to. I feel like I have aged 30 years in just a month. My arm muscles hurt just to lift my arms. It hurts just to carry my bags to the car from WalMart. That just shouldn't be. My muscles feel like I just decided to go do a two hour workout after never working out before..that kind of pain....I've had all kinds of bloodwork done..twice..everything comes back normal..thyroid, diabetes, hormones, Vit B..even Lymes Disease, etc. I'm really getting to my wits end..I load up on Advil and I still can take 2 hour hikes thru the mountain and ride my bike about 25 miles a day but when I stop ...and start again..I can hardly move. I've also been to a rheumatologist..no arthritis...My family doctor just doesn't have a clue. I sure wish someone out there did. I am 5'7...before this happened just 18 months ago I stayed around 140# ..Now I'm up to 155# and that's getting hard to keep..I know that is has to be hormone related. I suffered 25 years from horrible debilitating migranes (sometimes having them for 2 1/2 weeks a month).I have not had ONE migraine since going into menopause..not one..So I know that this hormone thing is powerful. Thanks for letting me vent. I hope someone comes up with a solution. Happy New Year. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Hi! I am 51 and looking for relief too. I was scanning the posts and wanted to maybe give some of you alittle hope. Not that I am a doctor because I am not. I am telling you what have done to help me, some good, some not so good. I have been post menopausal since 2005 and still suffer the aches, dizzys and hot flashes. sometimes my back and legs hurt terribly and it drives me completely insane. I have ALWAYS been a very active person and the menopause has literaly kicked my butt. In the years of peri-menopause, i did the progesterone cream( which helped alot) and the soy after that. Seemed like nothing relieved it for a long time. I still continued to hold down a job (recently divorced w/ teenager at home)and struggled daily. After menopause the symptoms really kicked in. I don't want to use HRT so I have always tried the natural approach. I started using black cohosh (which has helped alot), but not complete relief. I found an herbal supplement that was a combination of black cohosh and chaste berry. It helped alot too but i guess the chaste berry (has a progesterone effect)was too much for me. I was moody and sad all the time. The black cohosh-chaste berry combo would probably work for someone who is in peri-menopause and has up and down hormones. So back to the black cohosh again. Looking online i found a herbal formula that is made from the the maca plant (lepidium meyenii) and it sounds like a cure all. Geeze wouldn't that be wonderful? Supposed to balance hormones from within your body. It stimulates your endocrine system to balance ALL your hormones naturally. Google it and see. I ordered a month's supply and will post the results. At this point i will try anything and hoping this time i found an answer. Good Luck! |
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| Just wanted to let everyone know the maca is working fantastic. My hot flashes are completely gone, and the joint pain is on its way out. I am in a completely different mood, no fuzzy thinking ( i can actually form a sentence..lol)The libido is alot better too. I have energy and just feel good. Its worth a try. I'm sold on it! I will take this for a long long time. |
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I just joined this forum to tell all of you I've been having the same problems...sore achy muscles, a feeling of fusing throughout my body...swollen hands at night..all of it! You know what my problem was?? MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS PAD!! Please, if you're sleeping on one, investigate what type of chemicals it's made with...google it! It may be comfortable to sleep on, but it's basically a chemical stew
which is seeping into your body. I finally made the connection and I'm back to my normal healthy self again...only a few little hot flashes once in a while remain which is quite natural. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Having all the same symptoms, never once considered it was due to menopause-other than the hot flashes. My knees are so bad I have a terrible time getting up off the toilet! I'm thinking of having grabbars intalled. My question is, does this eventually go away or is this it for me? The hot flashes are getting farther apart and I'm told they will eventually go away, but does all this joint pain go away with it? How do you know how much of it is menopause related and how much is osteoarthritis? And no, I'm not sleeping on any type of memory foam pad. |
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| txcowgirl57 Thanks for posting your results is it possible for you to share the link where you purchased from? I'd do anything to get rid of my joint pain and boost my energy. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I have read about the muscle aches and pains on this site. I am experiencing the same thing. I am 50 and in perimenopause. My gynocologist wants me start low dose HRT. Has anyone had success with the HRT and has it helped with the aches, pains, night sweating, mood swings and sleep lose? |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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I don't know how much of my muscle ache problems are due to or influenced by menopause, seems like I have suffered for a long time. I found a book called "Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" which has been helpful and bought a theracane to get at the deep knots I get in my muscles particularly in the shoulder area. the interesting thing is that knots can be located in a different spot from where the pain is felt. It is a constant battle. knots in the periformis sp? muscle in the butt for example, can cause pain in the lower legs. I was having pain in both hips and down both shins from too much sitting. Doing stretches seems to help a little too.
Night sweats with me seem to come and go. I looked up foods with phytoestrogens and it does seem that a change in diet helps. chocolate brings on hot flashes, I noticed. |
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| My joint pains coincided soon after starting estrogen recently. I'm active and fit, 47, but now with knees especially I just can't move them for some time after waking because of the pain. Joint pain and stiffness all over after sleep, but inner knees the worst. I was thinking of course that it was a side effect of the estrogen pills, but see that others not on any type of HRT are also in pain. I wonder how many posters, like tjtweety, have been checked for arthritis. What do your doctors say could be the cause, and what do they treat the pain with? Due to see my doc in a couple of weeks. Thanks. |
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| I have been reading alot about estorgen and the GABA relationship in the brain. GABA is effected greatly by our estrogen levels and as such once our hormones start to receed we have problems with our GABA uptake ,, these can result in symptoms like,, boday aches and muscle stifness,, internal shaking, headaches etc. I am experimenting with Chamomile tea and there is another herb called valerian which might help .. good luck ,, do your hormine brain chemistry homework ! |
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Hello!
I just found this forum and I want to say "thank god, I am not crazy!" lol
I have a lot of joint pain in my elbows. My brain feels fuzzy at times (which frustrates me to no end) I need to start reading up on what can be done. I was peri for several years, I think I've finally hit the big M and I just turned 48! |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Hello! I wake up in the night with soreness in my hips and shoulders so bad I can't even roll over. My upper legs and hips are tight all the time. During the day when I sit for a period of time, getting myself straightened up and moving is task in itself. I have been to a rheumatologist an had every test they say everything looks fine, healthy as a horse, my husband always called me his clydesdale. I am not a sitter. They say its not fibromylgia but that my muscles are constricted. I too have been going to a massage therapist for deep tissue massage which helps for a couple of days, but after that, it's back to the same pain. I do not want to deal with this on a day to day routine. I have been taking flexeril (mild muscle relaxer) 2 times a day, but this does not seem to help with all of the symptoms. They also put me on Magnesium and Potassium My hands, inside elbows, knees, hip, shoulders and buttocks are always in terrible pain. I feel like a 47 year old trapped in a 80 year old body. I'm scared that this won't pass with the Menopause.
I'm so glad I found this forum I thought I was losing my mind and nobody believed me. This sucks !!
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RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Saigo
Sorry if i didnt get back on this message board sooner. I purchased Maca through iherb.com or you could go to any reputable vitamin store. Be sure to get at least 500 mg and take three times a day. I still am taking daily and when i forget, the symptoms sure do come back, especially the achy joints. Anyway its worth a try. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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I can't believe the stories I am reading- I feel like it's me talking!! I have had muscle and joint pain for 16 months and I can echo many of the same statements I've just read; feeling like I've aged 30 years overnight, stiffness, painful muscles and loss of flexibility. I am 51, and have been in menopause for 14 months. It can't be a coincidence!!
I've see various doctors and have had lots of tests done. It is important to rule out all the autoimmune diseases, and of course Lyme.
Thank you all- I no longer feel alone!
I am going to try the Maca Root- I feel hopeful! |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Hi. I was wondering if anyone here -- with the symptoms being described -- been tested for adult Parvovirus B19, aka 'Fifth Disease.' It's known mainly as a kid's disease, but doctors now think about 40% of the adult population never got it, and so never developed an immunity. Basic description:
'An adult who has not previously been infected with parvovirus B19 can be infected and become ill. Unlike a child's fifth disease symptoms, adults can develop arthritis symptoms that include joint pain, swelling, or both. Usually, joints on both sides of the body are affected. The joints most frequently affected are the hands, wrists, and knees. The joint pain and swelling usually go away in a week or two, but can last for several months. It is often mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis.' P.S. There is a specific lab test for diagnosing it. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Parvovirus B19
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Yes- I was tested for the Parvo Virus, and it was negative. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Thanks so much for this forum. I have had excruciating pain in my hips and legs for this past year. Weakness now in the tops of my legs and feet problems going back 5 years. About the time I started menopause. This year is the worst. I don't know if my legs will support me some days. Really scary. I have always been active and care for 4 acres by myself. Horseback riding and walking. This year has been a real struggle. I am 61 now and have been in menopaulse for over 6 years. I will try the vitamin D and maca and let you know. I know diet helps and I do trigger point and piriformis muscle stretches. If I don't do these every day, I literally can't move. I do sit for 8 hours a day for my job, so that is a problem. Have to stretch constantly and get up to move around. I eat well. No processed foods for years. Grow most of my own food in the summer.
Just wish someone would find a cure for this constant pain. Nobody seems to know what I'm talking about. So appreciative of this forum. Thanks a bunch!! |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Hi all, glad I found this forum. Seems I must have been going through perimenopause for a few years now, and just didn't know it! I am nearly 45.
I have suffered from depression, anxiety, lower back ache, stiffness, esp. getting up in the morning and after sitting for an hour in the evening. Also fuzzy thinking, less articulate, some forgetfulness. Lately weight gain around my middle and bum (new area for me) and incontinence. I am NOT happy about that! I have to wear light pads daily now, and am cautious even lying on my stomach at night.
Oh, about a couple of months ago, I had a week where I was literally bouncing off the walls of my mind. It was real roller coaster ride in there. I've had mood swings, a very short temper, and no tolerance for stress, even TV shows - I can't handle anything stressful on TV. My anxiety level just climbs. I was having trouble making up my mind on anything - even ordering breakfast took me 15 minutes to decide, and even then I just ordered because of the time.
And these past few months, I've had to get up in the night at least once, sometimes twice, to go to the bathroom. I never used to do that.
Finally, I just missed my first period. It's been about 2 weeks late now (no, not pg) and my mood has stabilized quite a bit! Yay! But I know it must not be over yet, right? I tell myself not to get my hopes up...
Oh yes, I've had hot flashes since my late 20s. Most anything makes me sweat. Cooking dinner, any amount of exercise, and the last few years, sometimes just talking to people can make me sweat bullets running down my face, I can feel my face flush, and I know I'm not nervous (most of the time). It was hard working, greeting and helping customers, sweating and pretending I didn't notice or it was normal. Lovely.
I take multi vit, calcium with vit d, omega 3, vit c, acidophilus (girls, if you have yeast infection problems, let me tell you, go buy some good acidophilus. I had MONTHLY yeast infections for many YEARS! I haven't had one in probably 2 or 3 years now- YAY!) I use the CVS brand Extra Strength, in a box, and it's the kind that needs no refrigeration. It's triple layered, so it doesn't dissolve until it gets to your intestinal tract. It's about $10 for 30 tabs, but it's the best money I ever spent.
I also took Ginkgo Biloba for awhile because I was afraid I was getting depressed again. (I was treated for depression a few years ago - many negative life issues at the time finally bowled me over.) GB does help the mood and gave me more energy, but I did have some anxiety, not sure it's connected to that or to the perimenopause.
I also started drinking 1/2 decaf coffee (love Peets!)a few years ago. I found during my antidepressant days, it just made me too jittery. Turned out to be a good decision on my part. I find a week back on regular coffee makes me more tired and foggy than while on the 1/2 decaf! Go figure. I don't really have the foggies anymore, (yay!) and I suffered for years with them. Never thought I could give up some caffeine, but it really does help.
Coffee, sugar, chocolate, hot drinks, anything sweet - will make me sweat. So I have learned to limit these things. Also, fat and sugar will depress you and make you irritable and tired. I am working on limiting these things, and I really do feel better for it. I have upped my veggies and fruit, fiber, and eat less protein than I used to. Perhaps one should look into the flora/fatigue connection. I've read somewhere that poor intestinal health can cause many of these symptoms. Anything is worth a try, right? Do what you can. Get as healthy as you can. Every little bit helps.
Lastly, I now try to tell myself - no, you are not turning into a crazy vegetable, you are just going through a phase in your life called perimenopause! And for me, it's better than the last 5 or 10 years. I just hope it doesn't get worse again. And as my mother always said -this too shall pass.
(and if I feel as bad as some of you are saying, or as bad as I did a few years ago when I suffered from depression, I would definitely check out antidepressants again - it so helped me when I really needed it. I fought the good fight, but was losing the battle, so I finally admitted I needed help - was the best thing I've done for myself, so don't rule it out completely) (oh yes, one more thing: the antidepressants took away my aches and pain, cleared my fuzzy thinking, calmed down my mood swings, and I lost 30 lbs! So it's not all bad.)
Can some one please just confirm if you think I've been having peri M. symptoms for a few years now? I'd love your input. I thought I was too young, but maybe not...
If you have any questions, please let me know. And thanks for listening. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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Just checking in, still have the muscle pain. Tests are all normal etc.... Seems alittle better in hips and buttocks, I changed chairs at work (to a harder one) seems like soft stuff makes it worse, that seemed to help alittle. It's worse in my upper arms and hands and elbows
use alot of Bio Freeze on them. Scared to go off the Flexril (muscle relaxer) scared I'll become totally stiff again.I have found and this is from a person who never takes naps that if I get at least 11 hours of sleep my muscles aren't as sore. Trying to decide if I should go to Chicago but if all the tests say I'm fine what do you tell them. I am not a hypochondriac. All of you are proff of that. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Hello, I have been going to a chiroprator since 3/09, not much help, I have pain in both shoulders, when I started chiro, only my right shoulder hurt, now my left shoulder hurts also!! I"m going to stop going and try something else. While going to the chiro, my back went into bad spasms (after going for 5 months) I thought "this should not happen". I'll try physical therapy and see if that helps, my doctor gave me 600mg of ibuprofen, I took one and it hurt my stomach, so I stopped taken them and anyway it does not address the reason WHY I have this pain, she said many of her female patients have shoulder pain, she called it "bursitis", thats what docs call it when they don't know what it is! Pain is not normal, please understand that ladies, there is a reason for it! I will also go on the website for maca. Also my back pain went away after I bought a program at losethebackpain.com |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| Both my husband and I have been experiencing sore stiff joints, particulary in the morning and when we have been sitting a while. I am well into the throws of menopause, and he might be too. I bought Celadrin, which contains Omega 3 fish oils, and OMG we cant beleive the difference in our fingers and knees. I have osteoarthritis and I can almost make a fist again. I am not saying that the pain and stiffness has gone completely but there is a huge difference from what we had before. The Celadrin seems to have moistened the joints and I am more flexible. On another note....I slept for 6 hours straight last night. No sweats. Thats the first time in 3 years I have slept that long. Maybe, might be, could be the light at the end of the tunnel. One can only hope. Elizabeth |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I am relieved to have discovered this forum this morning. I now know that I am not imagining all my joint and muscle pain, and that I am not alone in this journey they call menopause, still can't understand why they named it after a man. In fact, I have been up all night with incredible pain. Today was especially a bad day. Due to my family health background I am not a candidate for HRT. In the meantime, all I do to survive is take advil or motrin. Which isn't good for your liver or kidneys. I guess, no matter what we do we can win. As many women here, have said, getting up in the morning is the worst, somedays I pray that I don't wake up. I am just glad to be here at this board. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I am 52 and pretty sure I am now menopausal. I am experiencing aches and pains in my feet that many have already described in this forum and they are truly ruining my quality of life. I can hardly walk the dog in the morning and after I have been sleeping or sitting, I can barely get my feet to function. It feels like the pain has settled in my bones. Has anyone either tried or considered acupuncture for this? I'm trying to research this on the internet and came across this forum which describes my symptoms to a tee but see no mention of acupuncture as a remedy. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I stopped Prempro three months ago, and everything on me hurts. I told the doc today and she smiled. This is familiar to her. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| I am 51 years old tomorrow and I haven't had a period in one year so I have hit menopause big time. I have had all the same symptoms as everyone here. I have been tested for everything and thought I was going nuts until I found this site. I have tried everything but the most effective thing for me is GABAPENTIN, 300 mgs in the morning and night. It helps with everything. I can't take HRT because of a blood clot years ago. The dr has tried every antidepressant out there on me and I cant take the side effects. This drug has saved my life. Good Luck Ladies I know what your going through. |
RE: does anyone have joint and muscle pains
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| this is a wonderful site . I am trying the maca and will let you know how it goes. |
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