I get bouts of hot aching pain in my knees, usually at night. They are not swollen or red though. Could this be connected to the menopause or something else? I don't have joint pain anywhere else but I am often very tired.

Joint pain is often experienced as part of the menopause because lowered oestrogen levels affect both joints and muscles.

Also, if the menopause has disrupted your sleep patterns then your pain perception tends to go up (this is really unfair as it makes the bad situation worse!). 

There are other possible explanations though. For example, if your magnesium levels are low then you often find that cramping and other muscle pains show up at night. Also, if you have been very physically active through your life then you can end up with pain in weight-bearing joints where cartilage has thinned.

If you know that you have been and/or are still active then taking a glucosamine sulphate supplement can help - make sure you take 1,500mg daily to get any effect.

To cover the low oestrogen and possible magnesium deficiency, have a look at Menopause Support, as this contains both gentle plant oestrogen and some magnesium.

It will take 4-6 weeks to start working, and you can take some extra magnesium in the meantime, e.g. Salus Haus liquid magnesium, which works quickly. 

Try drinking nettle and/or golden rod tea 2-3 times daily, to remove uric acid from the joints, and have plenty of plain water every day too. This will help not just with the pain but also with the fatigue. 

Eileen Durward