The joints were my feet join my legs, but not my ankles, ache and one of my hips ache. I am 48 years old and starting the menopause.

You may well find that the hormonal changes you are beginning to experience are responsible for your aches and pains.

There are around 200 forms of arthritis, including one called 'menopausal arthritis'.

Oestrogen is both an antidepressant and pain killer and when it's level falls, women are more likely both to experience pain more noticeably and actually develop new pain as the body's regulatory systems begin to go haywire.

Your joint pain could of course be everyday wear and tear arthritis, especially if you have spent years working on your feet or engaged in impactful exercise but the one positive about menopausal arthritis is it will pass as the menopause eases.

In either case, please consider applying some Atrogel 2-4 times a day, as it provides some wonderful relief in just a few days.

If you have any questions about the menopause as it progresses, or you just want some reassurance that your symptoms are completely normal, do visit our menopause section and drop the lovely Eileen a line.

Best wishes

Earle