one year after complete hysterectomy-LOTS of joint pain--considering BHRT

I am 55 and had my complete hysterectomy (ovearies and all) one year ago. Todate I am experience lots of joint pain and stiffness, and am considering bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Has anyone had the experience of joint pain after HYST, and what helped you? HAve you tried BHRT? Thanks so much

Yes, I have had the joint pain. I took bio-identical hormone patch. I think it helped some but not totally. I have in the last year or so found out that I have arthritis the wear and tear kind. My dad had arthritis and I think my mom did as well.

I was having problems with my thumb and they did an x-ray and there is loss of cartilage around the joint and misplacement of the joint. If you are having a particular problem with a joint then maybe get it checked out, not all joint problems are hormone related.

My doctor said it is real common for women to start getting this around 50. Anti-inflammatories take away the inflammation to ease the discomfort. Exercise and physical therapy has helped. I stretch and exercise almost everday certain areas that get stiff. I take fish oil and this has helped as well.

Ask your doctor if you would benefit from taking hormones for this. If you are having symptoms like hot flashes your body is low on estrogen.

Thanks you for your feedback SuzyQ.

Funny you mentioned your thumbs, that is my worst problem--arthritis set in both joints per the xray results. I am considering a cortisone shot in each.

As far as the hormones, started the progesterone and Estridiol (SP?) for about 3 days now, could be placebo effect, but already feeling better. Hoping to stay with OTC stuff and not need more strenght.

I am thinking since my hormone leverls are "in the tank" any amoutn will help!

Wishing you health and pain-free thumbs!

Yes, when I stop hormones I have terrible pains. Anywhere I've had an injury (which is a lot) and my back. Had a full workup, whole body and have no arthritis anywhere (or didn't a couple of years ago). I think the pain comes from the change in body fluids without the estrogen. I think estrogen helps "plump up" the fluid sacs between joints.
Just a personal opinion, but it makes sense to me since it plumps up everything else. And hwne I've tried to get off, my relief is immediate when I go back on again.

As much as I would love to go off of them, don't think I'll ever be able to completely. Or at least not if I want to function every day.

Hi Ladies

I had TAH/BSO 15 months ago and almost since day 1 have been taking Premarin .625 ERT. I had a fair amount of joint pain but put it down to approaching old age but, just over one month ago my Doc let me try 0.3 instead.

The good news is my slowly increasing weight is now stable, although stiill half a stone more than pre-op. The bad news, my joints are worse, hot flushes are creeping back.

The never ending problem is my mouth. My dentist has tried everything and there is "nothing wrong with me" but something is making my gums swell and causing the "sea water" taste in my mouth.

This Site is SO good. No matter how frustrating Life gets, we're never alone are we. One day everything'll get sorted out.

Best Wishes to all reading this..

Funny you mentioned your thumbs, that is my worst problem--arthritis set in both joints per the xray results. I am considering a cortisone shot in each.

the fact that you mention thumbs, two of you, is freaking me out! my thumbs KILL me! they feel like glass is in the joint! never a bother before hysterectomy!!! weird! I have an order for an xray and I just keep blowing it off. Think I will go now!

FYI..one of the things that I found helpful for the joint pain was getting off dairy and grains. Seemed to help inflammatory responses immensely.