RA and menopause or premenoause

shellyintong, the RA medications are really so good at preventing damage and reducing inflammation that most experience significant relief. I don't have RA, my sister does. Within a week on methotrexate, she was using her hands without pain. How long will you have to wait to see the rheumatologist? If you haven't heard from the rheumatology office, call them. Try to get in on a cancellation. NSAIDs can be problematic, but the diagnosing physician could prescribe a stronger-than-otc non steroidal anti-inflammatory. Some of the pain is just the inflammation, before it causes damage to the bones.
There is a strong depressive aspect to this autoimmune disease. With treatment you will find relief.
https://www.rhcnj.com/blog/the-worst-foods-to-eat-if-you-have-rheumatoid-arthritis

I am noting all this down to let my doctor know. Thank you.

shelly, I've been looking at the RA literature for a long time because of my sister. Mayo has one of the best summaries. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353653#:~:text=People%20with%20rheumatoid%20arthritis%20often,(anti%2DCCP)%20antibodies. So my sister started with the depression, then her feet and hands ached. She likes to say that I diagnosed her, but I just told her that she needed to be tested. She looked on the internet and realized she had all of the symptoms, then went straight to the Rheumatologist and told him--I have rheumatoid arthritis and I want the most aggressive treatment available. He doubted she had RA but called later to say that she had the highest levels of Rheumatoid Factor that he'd ever seen. ( I'm thinking you've had the RF serum test. Do you know your numbers?) He prescribed methotrexate and Humira. She has been taking both for 25 years without having an arthritic flare, but most importantly there is no damage to her bones.
Being premenopausal places you at additional bone risk. It is good you are seeing an endocrinologist.
You might look up the medications on Mayo's medication list.
I'm thinking you are going to have good luck.

I dont think I ever got any RF serum test? Idk even what that is actually... should I ask my doctor for it?

shellyintong, Rheumatoid Factor isn't definitive for RA as it is found in other autoimmune diseases. Anti CCP antibodies with RF are standard along with images and symptoms for diagnosis. Maybe your primary has good suspicion and is wanting the Rheumatologist to sort the facts. I'd be asking the primary physician to order those two tests especially since you seem to be waiting for the Rheumatologist. Are you having symptoms on both sides of the body. https://www.pennmedicine.org/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis

Being in pain every day takes a toll on the soul. The good news is if you can get on a good regimen that gives you some relief, even if not perfect, it does make life so much better. First step is diagnosis, then finding a drug (or combo of drugs) that work for you, and then figuring out what you can and can’t easily do and finding work arounds.

I’m a 57 yr old woman who used to be a “can-do” kinda gal who now needs a cane on a good day and a walker on a bad day. I have RA of the hips and spine with elements of other autoimmune diseases thrown in for good measure. In addition to daily oral steroids, weekly Methotrexate and monthly infusions (about to start a new one - 6 years later still hoping this is “the one” lol) I’ve been increasing the dose of low dose Naltrexone, and I think it’s helping. My doctor offered me pain management, which is another aspect to explore in addition to rheumatology. I chose to delay that route for now, but there’s no shame in it and if your rheumatologist doesn’t offer it, there’s no harm in asking for a referral to discuss options while you wait for the immune suppressants to kick in. Everybody is different. But for me, even though I haven’t found the drug that controls my symptoms fully, I think I’m still in a better place than I was when I was first diagnosed. It’s important to find a doctor you like and who will work with you. It’s important to define your boundaries and to recognize when you can and cannot do something. Notice what your triggers are like are your symptoms worse after you eat tomatoes (some are said to be sensitive to nightshades) or do you feel worse if you don’t get a good night’s sleep or over do it gardening? It’s okay to give yourself some grace. Other than that - try to stay positive and hang in there while you work this out. Once your inflammation is better controlled, the pain should also be better too.