Hi, this is really interesting. I was on a 5 month break from HRT, trying to stop as at 54 my periods had stopped but the HRT brought them back. After stopping, within a few weeks I had excruciating and severe muscle & joint pains and leg pain, causing me to walk with a stick and the pain was much worse at night. Due to the joint and leg muscle pain I went to see a consultant who diagnosed extensive arthritis, and prescribed major anti inflammatory meds and pain killers. My mobility and energy levels had dropped massively. Meanwhile the menopause symptoms returned with a vengeance, especially at night. At the end of my tether, I restarted my HRT on Monday and after 6 days, am almost pain free and feeling so much better, and I have now stopped most of the pain meds. I still have widespread arthritis, but it’s now manageable. I did not connect the 2 things at all, and now realise a bit like what has been said above the HRT is very necessary for my muscles and joints.