Hi all.   I'm looking for abit more information regarding taking Estradiol and experiencing arthalgias/muscle cramps.  I recently started taking E2 (only); no Spiro or other potassium-sparing diuretic/AA. 

Briefly, I've been having generalized aches since starting the E2.  In my lower legs/calves, I've been getting the "charlie-horse" type pains (the deep, dull, achy muscular pains you get after running too much or bonking on potassium).  Also have been experiencing some pain over the clavicle bones...if I had to pinpoint the anatomic structure, I would say the tendons and ligaments "hurt" (but yeah, there are no nerves, so I know that's not really possible...but that's what it feels like, as if the attachment point of the pecs are under attack).  In this same time frame, I've developed some bilateral lower back pains...at the level of the sacrum/pelvis...below the kidneys; not necessarily like I "threw out" my back, but a mix of discomfort, combining dull intramuscular pain with sacral-ligamentous compromise.

I really feel these are musculo-skeletal pains, and not really the 'serious' things...again, the legs are more crampy (none of that sharp, stabbing pain with/without redness with/without palpable cords...no flexion pain).   I always drink ample water (usually around 1 gallon/day, bananas are my friends, so I doubt these are issues of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances (but I could be wrong).

I've searched this forum (and others) and found discussions on leg cramps and separate discussions on low potassium....maybe I missed discussions RE: upper torso pain (not boobie related) or sacral pain. 

Any shared experiences/info RE: Estradiol and body aches would be appreciated.

Thanks,

- Summer

Just: ongoing, and I've found no way to help it consistently, apart from drinking plenty of water. I haven't had the chest ache, but I get the nagging calf ache, also sometimes in the back of the thigh - and more rarely, the upper arms. Sometimes a hot drink made with molasses helps. Also magnesium supplement.

I drink a lot of water...almost a gallon a day (mostly during work, semi-sedentary). Lately they've been increasing, and I'm finding a light "warming up" session 2-3 times a day helps relieve some of it.

Again, it's not bad right now, I just notice it more.

That's reminded me, sometimes I dance a little before going to bed, and that seems to help.

@Beth Andrea and Padma, thanks for the info (and BTW, I am well-versed in the pre-bed 'dance'..nice to see I'm not the only one!).

Even before the E2, I was prone to nagging ailments and injuries (usually musculo-ligamentous/musculo-tendinous) that would seemingly arise spontaneously (though not really, I was/am a competitive cyclist, former power tumbler, former competitive cheerleader, and former bodybuilder, so my body is really set up for chronic injury).  I guess this makes it somewhat problematic for me to determine whether some of these are indeed HRT related, or some exacerbation of an older ailment that I can't pinpoint.  And to currently complicate things, I I'm coming down with some upper respiratory virus, now migrating lower respiratory, complete with the achy joints...so who knows.

Anyways, thanks again for y'alls experiences.