Severe back and joint pain - due to perimenopause?
Posted , 36 users are following.
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for relief from severe joint pain - I think due to hormone fluctuations. I have been suffering for 13 years - since the age of 38 with severe back pain, hip pain, leg pain, and foot pain. I have debilitating "episodes" every four years or so where I have an EXCRUCIATINGLY painful back spasm and then am bed-ridden for months, even years. I have hobbled through this long decade with lots of crying, depression, confusion, anger - plus plenty of self-pep talks, meditation, spiritual searching and "accepting", but I'm still suffering. I've seen everyone - GP's, back specialists, chiropractors, naturopaths, rolfers, shiatsu masters, accupuncturists, I had three MRI's, all clean, x-rays same, I've had two injections in my sacro illiac (one of the main pain areas) that did nothing - all treatments so far have been to no avail. I have been a vegan for 16 years, and am taking B-12, Vitamin D, B complex, vitamin K, Black Cohosh supplements, and prim rose oil. I am considering starting a bone broth and fish oil supplement now out of desperation. I tried taking a bio-identical hormone but experienced almost instant severe back pain! As of now I am in daily pain, sometimes severe, in bed almost all day with small walks around the house, can't sit or stand for long, using ice packs all day and night on my lower back and hips. I have to take serious pain meds every week, which worries me because of toxicity. But what can I do? The pain is so bad!
I am praying this all stabilizes at some point - I will be officially one year without a period in December. I've heard from some that that is when things calm down. My mother says the same, but she is still suffering from some back pain - so - if anyone has any suggestions or advice, or even just a similar story to share, I would so appreciate it! Peace and health to all of you out there! xoxoxo
3 likes, 35 replies
pamela46799 dirios
Posted
Yep, that's what I figured out, estrogen dominance. Progesterone cream (natural) has been a huge help. Magnesium has also helped with balancing the stress hormone cortisol (which I believe I read can rob your body of progesterone). It is such a balancing act, it's ridiculous. My nurse practitioner told me it was ok to stop the progesterone, and I did. I read it takes a few months to get out of your system. I can't tell you how much pain I was in within 3 months of stopping it. It was debilitating. Before I seriously almost went to the emergency room in a panic, I started the progesterone cream again. I felt better immediately. It has taken months to feel somewhat normal again. I haven't had hot flashes, but my nurse practitioner, who is 53, said that if she has them, she just backs off the coffee for awhile. I'm so sorry any of us have to go through this....hugs.
mbrel16 dirios
Posted
I'm so glad I FOUND this! I have been in perimenopause for about 4 years( i'm 42 now). for me the back pain is definitely when i am missing periods. it feels like my hips are just super tight. stretching helps a little. I have been to many doctors as well and I could go on and on. many seem to know nothing they offer antidepressants( which after all this we might need!) or hormones made from horse urine. I just had bloodwork done.
estrogen, progesterone and testosterone all virtually non existent. Vitamin D Very low. I met with an amazingly knowledgeable functional medicine/ compounding pharmacist. I will be starting on bioidentical hormones in a few weeks. I'm hopeful. I believe our healthcare system is failing us ladies. Until i get started I am starting progesterone cream ( over the counter) which I have used before. Taking 10,000 Iu vit D and a thyroid supplement. Many of us are low in iodine without it our thyroid doesn't work. I mean.. I eat so healthy( zero sugar, grains,) workout and cannot lose a pound! We have to educate and advocate for ourselves. I will keep you posted on the bioidenticals! Bottom line.. yes this is lack of hormones...Blessings to all.