I have been suffering from all sorts of joint pains – in my hips, knees and elbows for the last couple of years. It’s not a sharp pain just a dull ache - but it’s constantly there in one body part or another. I’ve tried all sorts of different things including anti-inflammatory’s – which I didn’t want to take on an ongoing basis. It’s frustrating because it’s not painful enough to stop what I’m doing – just a background pain that never seems to go away. If anyone has experienced the same and has found anything that helps please let me know.

Hi Suzi,

I'm 46 and have had perimenopause symptoms now for about 3 years (hot flashes, mood swings, etc.0. I have been experiencing joint pain in my hands, knees, and feet for about 3 months now. The pain or tenderness moves from one joint to another and is usually symetrical...if my thumbe joint hurts on my left hand it also does on my right. I've been reassured that it is common, but it's pretty scary to me. Are your pains symetrical as well? They were going away in the morning bt now they last through the day.

Hi Gretchen - I can sympathise - joint pains for no reason at all are a real 'pain' - bad pun I know Weird that your pains are symetrical?? Mine tend to just affect one part of me like my hips and then the next day those are fine and my elbow may be sore. I don't find it scary but it can be so frustrating.. Hope yours clear up. Suzie

Hi..
There are approximately 55 million Americans with arthritis. The commonest type of arthritis is referred to as osteoarthritis, and it is often associated with osteoporosis. The cause of many types of arthritis remains unknown but common features of arthritic disorder include pain, joint stiffness and restrictive mobility of joints which are associated with damage to cartilage and joints and ongoing inflammation. Cartilage can be protected by certain natural substances and glucosamine appears to be the most important chondro-protective (chondro = cartilage) agent known in natural medicine. Many people are seeking alternatives to standard drug treatments for arthritis. The most commonly used drugs to treat arthritis belong to a class of pharmaceuticals called non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs which are termed NSAID, as an abbreviation.

I wake up nearly every morning with a pain in my lower back, which sometimes spreads to my hips and down the right hand side of my abdomen. By the time i have got dressed and carried on with day to day duties, it goes away.
I am also suffering from hot flushes and night sweats which wake me at 3 am every morning.I am 50 and i havent had a period for 4 months, so hopefully this is it.
Also, does anybody know if even though you dont actually have a period where you bleed, do you still suffer from pre period pains that you used to get?