I have just been to my doctor again as I am not sleeping for more than 4-5 hours a night. I am waking up in a pool of sweat every morning, and I've developed a tremour. I started my menopause when I was 54 years old. Now I am 62 and I have had these symptoms for the past 2 years. I feel as though I cannot take much more ofthis. I constantly feel drained, and my hair and nails are dreadful. I used to have thick hair and beautiful skin. I am fed up with my doctor being so dismissive, but I don't know what to do. My quality of life is awful and my family are very worried about me. Could this still be related to the menopause?

We do have women tell us that their symptoms seem to be pursuing them long after their periods have stopped completely.

Sometimes this is because they came off HRT quickly - this seems to trouble the body badly and take a long time to rectify. Sometimes it is due to the thyroid going a little haywire, so it's worth checking with an acupuncturist (who is likely to be less dismissive than your doctor!).

You may also find that consulting a naturopath or a similar practitioner locally will ensure you a proper treatment programme with supervision, rather than dismissal.

There are plenty of restorative treatments, but when the picture is quite severe, as you describe, it's best to have a face-to-face consultation with someone who can support you through a treatment plan.

Eileen Durward