I am in peri-menopause (I haven’t had a period since may) and both my knees hurt with pain and at night my hips hurt. Could this be due to the menopause?

Joint pain is a very common symptom in the peri menopause and menopause, as falling oestrogen can affect the hydration of the joints, causing inflammation and pain.

You may find Devil's Claw and Arnica Gel helpful. The herb Devil's Claw is traditionally used as a natural anti-inflammatory and can often start to show benefit after a few days. There are very few contra-indications, it can be taken with most medications and can be taken for as long as needed.

Atrogel is made from fresh arnica, it has all the benefits such as helping bruising and tissue trauma but the fresh arnica also has pain relieving properties. This can often reduce pain quickly and is a compliment to the Devil's Claw.  

Check your diet too, as caffeine, high salt and sugar foods and processed foods can all irritate the joints further  and remember to drink plenty of plain water - tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and fruit juices don't count and could even make other menopause symptoms worse!

I have made 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.

Eileen Durward