Do High FSH Levels Cause Joint Pain?

My FSH level is 77. Can menopause be a reason that my knee joints hurt? I don't have any sports injury. Will it resolve in time?

High FSH levels do not directly cause joint pain or the inflammatory joint disease known as arthritis. If the pain persists and is associated with swelling, an X-ray or MRI may be appropriate. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naprosyn, are usually effective in relieving joint pain, but prolonged use is recommended only under medical supervision.

However, your high FSH level most likely indicates that you have very low levels of estrogen - which is what happens after the loss of ovarian function. Low estrogen, in turn, is strongly associated with bone loss, which over time can lead to osteoporosis with brittle bones and a propensity toward fractures. Dietary supplementation with calcium and Vitamin D may slow down the rate of bone loss. Bone mineral density can be measured through DEXA scans, and more specific medication can be added if indicated. The concern about the risk of osteoporosis is particularly appropriate for women who lose ovarian function before the usual age of menopause, which in the U.S. is about 51 years.