Post Menopausal OA

Lancshiker

I started with pain and stiffness in my hands two months ago and following a recent blood test and visual exam at my GP he has diagnosed OA due to wear and tear and has referred me to a rheumatologist for x rays. I have some swollen bony areas on my middle knuckles. The main pain is in my left hand which is not my dominant hand and I am post menopausal so I am more inclined to think that the OA is hormonal rather than being due just to wear and tear.

In light of this, I am concerned that this means it will now affect a lot of other parts of my body and I have read online that hormonal OA is generally more severe and disabling. I wondered whether any other members had experienced this diagnosis and how they had found their experiences unfolding over time? I am right at the beginning of all this and am very worried and scared about where I might end up. 😫

annabanana

hi @Lancshiker , welcome to the online community, it’s great to have you here! I am sorry to hear about the pain in your left hand and stuff. I can also relate to feeling distressed about results due to your diagnosis, many people same the same way as you and hopefully some users with hormonal OA can just on to give their two cents. I’m glad to hear that your GP has referred you to a rheumatologist, as they’ll be able to give you clearer answers.

I have linked some pages with relevant topics to this post, hopefully some parts may be useful; please do keep us posted on how you get on!

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

frogmorton

Have you read this @Lancshiker ? There is research being done into the menopause and hand arthritis.

https://versusarthritis.org/research/our-research-impact/live-research-projects/osteoarthritis-the-role-of-gender-menopause-and-sex-hormones-in-hand-osteoarthritis/

I agree with Annabanana you should be seen by a rheumatologist. I hope you don't have to wait too long. What i will say is hormones can affect arthritis particularly childbirth so in my own opinion why wouldn't the menopause? Having said that it still needs investigating so good you are in teh system.

These threads might be worth a read on the subject

https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?query=menopause%20&scope=site&source=community

Take care

Toni x

Lancshiker

Thank you so much for the threads. Much appreciated. I have since spoken to others about this and found that they are suffering similar issues. I think it’s something people don’t like to talk about. It seems that issues such as arthirtis and dementia (which I also have family experience of) are a little minimised by society because they are associated with old age and I think our culture rejects openness about this subject. I think it’s great that your organisation provides space for discussion about arthritis and does not label it as an inevitable part of getting older. I am 55 and certainly was not expecting this diagnosis until I was much older so it has certainly been an education for me. 😮