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[mandypepe]

6 months ago I went onto HRT as the hot flushes had become too frequent but mainly the cramps in both my legs from thigh to ankles and joint pain mainly knees was so painful that I could hardly walk. A lot of symptoms stopped straight away and my leg pain eased to the point I could ignore it. However, about a month ago they’re starting to get bad again. I feel it’s my left hip and my left knee mostly. They feel like a burning sensation. I have bad cramps in both legs and they get worse as the day goes on and I get shooting pain in my knees and cramping spots. My right hip seems ok I think. I’m limping to walk and it’s as though I’ve climbed a mountain.  My legs just feel a dead weight and even just walking up the stairs my thigh muscles hurt. I feel really fatigued as well as though I just don’t have any energy.  I’ve started using iboprofen gel on my joints and cramps which helps a bit. But the cramps and joint paint is waking me in the night as well. I had my bloods done last week and spoken with my gp today and she says they’re all good although I don’t quite know what the bloods would show and I forgot to ask. She’s sending me for xrays on my hips and pelvis to see if anything is going on. I know this can be a symptom of menopause so is that a possibility of what I might get told or will it be something more specific than that such as a form or arthritis or hip replacement.

[monicap]

Hi Mandy

You might just need a higher dose of oestrogen now you're a bit further on.

Leg pain wasn't so much of an issue for me but I had awful pains in my arms pre-HRT. Horrible and quite frightening. I'd wake up with numb/dead arms every day. But I did have some leg pain/joint pain too. I didn't realise it was all related to low oestrogen levels and went on HRT for something else. To my surprise it cleared up pretty quickly. My GP never once suggested that the arm/joint pain and an issue with a finger could be linked to the perimenopause. Having down a bit more research I've discovered low oestrogen causes havoc with our connective tissue...all sorts of inflammation.

[mandypepe]

Thank you. So I could ask if I can up my HRT patch? Also, reading your post you’ve reminded me I have had carpal tunnel for about 12 months. It’s not terrible at all anymore but I have to wear a wrist splint every night because otherwise my right arm aches and can hurt and it’s numb and tingling.

[monicap]

Yes, I would do just that. Tell them it worked for a while but your symptoms are back now. My GP tends to look at me blankly if I refer to any menopause symptoms apart from the classics (hot flushes/vaginal atrophy/libido) so in your position I would probably just say my hot flushes were back and mention your other symptoms mainly to try and educate them!

It's normal to need more oestrogen as you get closer to the menopause, so they shouldn't find it strange. If they refuse, don't take any nonsense. Ask you see a menopause specialist.

I hope you get relief from the carpal tunnel too.

[mandypepe]

Thank you I will do. My GP is really good to be honest and I can’t help wondering if it’s because she’s personally experienced it herself although she’s been really good with supporting my youngest boy this last 5 years through secondary school. (Or not being able to go to secondary school should i say). I know I’m very fortunate to have her.
If you say we can need more as time goes on I do wonder if that’s why I’m feeling fatigued as well. Because honestly, when I went on the HRT it was amazing. Not only did it stop hot flushes, vaginal atrophy and help with libido, it made me feel whole, on a level, no jittery feelings inside, no insomnia, more energy and just grounded. I was amazed. I didn’t even think of all this stuff as I think I’d just grown used to accepting that this was part of my life.
Thank you for helping me.

[corianne]

Yessss to all of it!!!! Mandypepe it's like you've written my post for me!! 

Aching legs and burning hips have plagued me for over a year now, and I can agree with everything you've written regarding your symptoms, pain and fatigue.
I've been in peri for about 5 years, but if my periods (or lack of) are anything to go by this year I would say I'm on the verge of menopause, and this seems to have coincided with the start of the aches and pains numbness and tingling.
I have told my GP numerous times, but have been told it's 'just' sciatica (diagnosed over the phone!) No scans, bloods or anything else, just online exercises, which made things a lot more painful but I do try to move when the pain allows.
I am on HRT but after reading the posts here I get the feeling it may not be enough, so will add an extra half patch I think and see how it goes.
I do hope it gets better for you soon, and hopefully the increased HRT does the job!
xx

[mandypepe]

Can you get another doctor? I don’t know what the answer is but getting dismissed isn’t helpful for you at all without everything being explored. I don’t know if I will find the answer to mine but at least my doctor acknowledged what was going on. She even said ‘it’s great your bloods have come back ok but that doesn’t help you with your legs restricting you in your daily life, we need to see what’s going on’. You definitely need it to be investigated just for peace of mind if nothing else. As well,  yesterday and at bedtime and today I’ve put on ibuprofen gel on both my knees and left hip and this eases it a bit. Have you tried anything like this?   

[CLKD]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects many women during pregnancy and goes away after delivery.  Definitely hormonally related.

[mandypepe]

Really? How interesting. I wonder if it doesn’t seem quite as bad recently because of the HRT. I’ve tried a few times to not wear my splint at bed time and my wrist wakes me with tingling and numb but no pain in my arm.

There was another thing I read the other day researching about hips and joints. I’ve forgotten the name but it’s a hip/pelvis injury where it’s a sharp tearing pain in the groin. It doesn’t mention that it can happen in pregnancy. I experienced this during both pregnancies towards the end but never at another time. I wonder if that’s hormone related as well.

[CLKD]

Well hormones relax the womb ...... ready for delivery?  So other muscles may well be affected.

CTS - splints can help. I would continue.  It is common to hold the arms over the edge of the bed to gain relief when affected. 

[mandypepe]

Thank you for helping.