Hi, i have had hip and lower back pain on and off for a few months now, and only just read up that this can be associated with the perimenopause. Also, upon reading up on symptoms i have anxiety, mild depression, awful fatigue, lack of concentration, and more! Periods still are regular though, despite a browny discharge for one day between periods last month. Have been to the docs with the hip/back pain but he just diagnosed low iron and put me on 200mg a day and go back in 3 months to see if it has helped. Does this sound like perimenopause to you? If so, what do you recommend?

Joint pain is a very common symptom in the peri-menopause as falling oestrogen can affect the hydration of the joints, causing inflammation and pain.You may find Devils Claw and Arnica Gel helpful.

Check your diet too, as caffeine, high salt and sugar foods and processed foods can all irritate the joints further.

I have just done a short video on joint health in the menopause and what you can do to help yourself so do take a look if you can.

Your other symptoms are all common ones as well so it is possible they are all connected.

Hopefully the iron supplement will help with the fatigue and low mood and it may be an idea to take a magnesium and vitamin B Complex as well to help support your nervous system at this time.

Eileen Durward