I have had hip and lower back pain, on and off, for a few months now. I've only just discovered that this can be associated with the Peri-menopause. I have other symptoms that could be menopausal; I suffer from anxiety, mild depression, awful fatigue, and a lack of concentration. My periods are still regular though, despite a brown-coloured discharge for day between periods last month. I have been to the doctors with the hip/back pain but he just diagnosed low iron and put me on 200mg a day. Does this sound like the Peri-menopause to you? If so, what do you recommend?

Joint pain is a very common symptom in the peri-menopause, as falling oestrogen can affect the hydration of the joints, causing inflammation and pain.

You may find Devils Claw and Arnica Gel helpful. Check your diet too, as caffeine, high salt and sugar foods, and processed foods can all irritate the joints further.

I have just done a short video on joint health in the menopause and what you can do to help yourself so do take a look if you can.

Your other symptoms are all common ones as well so it is possible they are all connected.

Hopefully the iron supplement will help with the fatigue and low mood and it may be an idea to take a magnesium and vitamin B Complex as well to help support your nervous system at this time.

Eileen Durward