No way this is ‘normal’

46yo, aware I’m tiptoeing around the margins of peri. Normal cycles for the most part, with some slightly longer or shorter, and occasional mild spotting mid cycle.

Current cycle began normally for week 1. A few days into week 2 I woke up one morning with intense lower back /hip pain. Began spotting later that day and continued through the next 4 days, rather heavily at times. I’m in week 3, and I have been in extreme back and hip pain since week 1. Unable to sleep, walk, bend or sit without pain.

My doctor said it is age related wear and tear. I’ve read that the drop in estrogen levels can cause hip and back pain. Has anyone experienced this?

I cannot do HRT bc of a previous stroke so my options for survival are fairly limited at best here. Any advice or words of wisdom will do…