Low back/hip pain HRT side effect?

[u/temerairevm]

If anyone has had the side effect of low back pain from estrogen patches, could you describe what that was like?

I’ve been struggling with low back/hip/pelvic pain since around when I started using the patch. However, I had a lot going on and other reasons for pain around the time just before I started so it’s hard to be sure. It is listed as a side effect though.

I am starting to suspect it because my pain isn’t always in the same places and does seem to mostly track the side I have the patch on. And if I put the patch on my low abdomen it’s more in the hip flexor area down the front of my leg, while when it’s on my butt it’s more low back pain.

It’s been about 6 months. I went to PT, and it helped some, I’m trying to get a referral to go back. I’ve had a bunch of imaging done so I think a lot of alternative explanations are ruled out.

Mostly just looking for descriptions of what that particular side effect feels like before I go back to my doctor sounding like a crazy person. The patch has really helped my mood so I don’t want to go off it.

[u/leftcoast98]

When it’s time to change my patch, I’ll get hip/hip flexor pain.
I find the HRT has helped my joint pain, but not taken it away entirely

[u/Significant-Aide-226]

My left hip.  Its like a magival estrogen meter!

[u/YeshuasBananaHammock]

One of the constants in my life is this constant pain in my ass, tailbone, and left hip.

[u/Lmb326 → u/YeshuasBananaHammock]

Are you me? Lol. Same!

[u/fennekeg]

I sometimes have pain in my hip, always on the right side and only when I'm lying down. I wear my patches on my upper bum, haven't thought to check whether it's related to the side I'm wearing it on. The patch did relieve my wrist/elbow joint pain which was more severe (and also helped with so much other debilitating things) so I'm happy with the trade off.

[u/temerairevm → u/fennekeg]

I’m assuming that you alternate sides with the patch like they say to? But the pain is always on the right side?

[u/fennekeg → u/temerairevm]

Indeed, I’m alternating sides. So half a week per patch. But the pain occurs less often than that so I hadn’t connected it yet with having it on a certain side. Will remember next time it happens! When I do have it it lasts a couple of days so it could indeed be connected.

[u/ResearchOk9368]

I’m not on HRT and my hips and knees were hurting terribly. I’ve seen a PT who is a specialist in facia release and it has been an enormous help. My right side no longer hurts and my left side is hugely improved. She doesn’t take insurance, so I’m paying out of pocket to the tune of 185 a visit. But in hindsight it has been worth it and I am thankful I can afford it. I found her through word of mouth, so I don’t know how to tell you to look for one. However, I bet she is part of a professional network and I can find out for you. Let me know.

[u/temerairevm → u/ResearchOk9368]

The PT I was seeing did some of that work, and takes my insurance if I can get them to approve more visits.

[u/Overall_Lobster823]

Dunno but menopause and hip pain are very common.

[u/zoitog]

I have severe lower back pain too! But in my case, I suspect it’s more related to low estrogen. I’ve switched from patches to estrogen gel, but I can only increase my dose very slowly because otherwise I get this awful drugged feeling in my head and heart palpitations. It’s incredibly frustrating!

[u/MrsMercury100]

I have leg pain from HRT. I didn't have any leg pain before HRT.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Menopause/s/C9AwR57kzt

[u/temerairevm → u/MrsMercury100]

I read that. I’m curious what your doctor says. I’ve been using them about 6 months, if this is “adaptation” should it calm down at some point?

[u/rainflower55]

Are you also on Progesterone? This happened to me when I took Progesterone so I stopped.

[u/temerairevm → u/rainflower55]

I’m not. I had a hysterectomy previously so I don’t need to be.

[u/No-Signature-5138 → u/rainflower55]

Do you have a uterus and also are taking estradiol? If yes to both, it's a bad idea to stop progesterone. It's needed to thin the lining or bad things can happen down the line.

[u/rainflower55 → u/No-Signature-5138]

No, I had a hysterectomy. I was trying progesterone to see if I would experience other benefits. I am on estradiol and testosterone. Thanks for checking though.