Most all of the information I've been reading on gout says that it's very rare in women under the age of 40. Does anyone have any other info on this? I'm a 30 year old female, but I've been having what I now think are gout attacks for the past couple of years.... since I was 27. The pain is very intense in my left foot, near the big toe, and also in my right knee. Sometimes it is too difficult to even walk, so I haven't been able to excercise as much, which has caused me to put on weight, which only makes the pain worse. Lovely cycle. Seems like the periods of pain are lasting longer, and the time in between is becoming less frequent.
I'm thinking of asking my doctor to check for gout, but I live abroad, so I want to make sure that I'm asking him the exact things to check for. Also worried that because of my age and sex, he'll immediately dismiss it.
Is it even possible that a woman my age can have gout?
Like I said, I live abroad, and speaking with Chinese doctors is a bit difficult, so I'm hoping to get some help on here!
Any advice would be appreciated.