I am 50 years old and I am Peri-menopausal. In the past 7-9 months, I have been experiencing significant joint pain. I went to see a Rheumatologist because the pain was in both my elbows, knees, and wrists. Some of the tests came out elevated; several others came out normal. So, I was told not to worry, and that I didn't have RA. After reading your website and others, I decided to go to an endocrinologist to evaluate my hormonal levels. I had the following tests done: Thyroid, Estrogen, Lipids, and urine. I have two questions for you: First, in your conversations with other women in Peri-menopause/menopause, have you found women with symmetrical joint pain such as myself. And two, what other tests are important to have to determine hormonal imbalance.

Menopausal joint pain seems to be both single side and odd joints (such as right knee and left elbow), but it can also be bi-lateral, from one single pair of joints to practically all the major and/or minor joints.

There doesn't seem to be any particular pattern with menopause joint pain and all women seem to have individual symptoms and joint combinations. If your symptoms arose around or just after you noticed any hormonal changes then it is possibly linked.

The best test to get is a saliva test as this can accurately measure your base hormone levels. A blood test usually only measures the level of FHS and LH which are only markers for oestrogen and progesterone, and this test is often not very accurate as it depends on these levels on the day.

You may find the herb Devils Claw helpful for the joint pain as we recommend it not only for general joint pain, but also for any inflammation as well.

Glucosamine Sulphate with MSM can also be helpful but this can take 2-3 months to work whereas the Devils Claw can kick in within a few days. You can take both together if you wish.

Eileen Durward