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Menopause (Expert Forum)
Muscle and joint pain can't take estrogen
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy , hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis , sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
Muscle and joint pain can't take estrogen
by Tikicatt, Jun 01, 2007 12:00AM
I am 42 had a complete hysterectomy in Jan due to stage IV endo. I can't take estrogen due to clotting problems - had my SVC reconstructed in 03. I have a primary immune deficiency and a port for venous access and am on plavix and aspirin. I have been advised not to try herbals due to my CVID, aenemia and general rotten condition. My joint and muscle pain is crippling, hot flashes, depression and insomnia severe. I think I am having a severe reaction to the progestin I am taking, can't sleep despite Ambien and can no longer manage to go to yoga. The pain is crippling and not even relieved by acucpuncture or narcotic pain relievers. Can progestin magnify menopause pain to this degree? If I tried estrogen for a short time and stopped will all the severe symptoms return? I had a non-text book reaction to Paxil and Effexor so I am done with SSRI's. What else can I try?
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Jun 02, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 02, 2007 12:00AM
It sounds like you are suffering a lot. First of all, see a rheumatologist to see if they can help with your joint and muscle pain. Progesterone doesn't usually make symptoms worse but sometimes hormones that are like progesterone (called progestins example being Provera) can worsen symptoms, especially symptom of depression. Natural progesterone could be a better choice for you if you are not taking it already.
Other sleep options are Lunesta and Rozerum. For hot flashes, you can ask your doctor about gabapentin (dosages increased over time up to 900mg/day) for the hot flashes. For dry vagina, try Replens, an over the counter product from most drug stores. It contains no hormones and is used daily for about one week and then twice weekly. It might also be helpful to meet with a mental health professional to assist you in coping with your symptoms which are understandably stressful and unpleasant.
Machelle Seibel, MD
Other sleep options are Lunesta and Rozerum. For hot flashes, you can ask your doctor about gabapentin (dosages increased over time up to 900mg/day) for the hot flashes. For dry vagina, try Replens, an over the counter product from most drug stores. It contains no hormones and is used daily for about one week and then twice weekly. It might also be helpful to meet with a mental health professional to assist you in coping with your symptoms which are understandably stressful and unpleasant.
Machelle Seibel, MD
