Menopause: Questions and answers

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I am 45 years old and I have one ovary - I lost my right one at the age of 15. I am suffering from disabling fatigue now, to the point where it is difficult to function. I've had my hormone levels checked and they are all normal, I am not anaemic either. This month I'm experiencing a lot of pain in my remaining ovary. It is as though my one ovary is really struggling to function now. My periods are more or less regular. Could I be in the Peri-menopausal stage?

It is possible that you may be starting the approach to the menopause, but did the doctor also test you for low thyroid and low vitamin D as both of... Read the full answer 〉

This is the third time in less than 2 years that I have had 3 months of missed periods. My joints are also aching and very stiff. Could I be in Peri-menopause? I'm almost 48.

It is certainly possible that you are approaching the menopause. For some women this approach can take several years of irregular and regular periods... Read the full answer 〉

I am 50 years old and I am Peri-menopausal. I find that I suffer from nausea and vomiting, triggered by severe stomach cramps. I can't eat food of any description for 2-3 days and I am losing weight. Is this a complication of the Peri-menopause?

Nausea is quite a common symptom in the menopause, mainly due to fluctuating hormones, but if this is leading to vomiting it is important to get this... Read the full answer 〉

I'm 47 and I have started bleeding today but only had my period two weeks ago, and that was a short cycle of less than a month too. Is this a sign of the Peri menopause?

Changing periods are often one of the first signs that you are approaching the menopause and you are in the average age range, 45-55, so it is... Read the full answer 〉

I've been waking up in sweats ever since last autumn. Last week I was very emotional and since last summer, my joints have been aching terribly, especially my ankles when I get out of bed. Now I've noticed that I'm vaginally dry as my husband complained when we had intercourse. The doctor did test me a year ago but mentioned that I was not going through the menopause. This vaginal dryness is really bad though. How can I know if it's a Peri-menopausal symptom.

Hormone levels can change very quickly so I would go back and ask your doctor to test you again. In the meantime, you may find Devils Claw helpful... Read the full answer 〉

Can peri-menopause cause a woman to have a bulging tummy?

Bloating is very common in the menopause and can be caused by several factors. Lowering levels of oestrogen can affect the digestion itself causing... Read the full answer 〉

I'm 41 years old and I've just had all my tests done. Everything, including thyroid, came back normal. I'm having hot flushes all of the time and I occassionally get hives on my face and chest. I'm moody, suffering from memory loss, and losing my hair! This has got to be the Peri-menopause, right? I am freaking out as my body is changing so much.

Yes, these are all regular menopause symptoms, and they can happen whilst the hormonal changes are too subtle to be detected by a regular blood test.... Read the full answer 〉

I just turned 40 years old in February. I'm experiencing a lot of menopausal symptoms, but my bloods have came back normal. Is it still possible that I am Peri-menopausal?

Blood tests are not always accurate and do depend on your hormone levels on the day. If your hormones are in the 'normal range' that day... Read the full answer 〉

Hi I am forty three and my periods have got a bit crazy over the last year and a half a get a small period at fourteen days and then might get a longer heavy period thirty five days later or two short periods every fourteen days. My joints in my hands are stiff and my breasts are very tender nearly all the time some days I feel like they might explode!! they feel like they are growing bigger. Things get on my nerves very easily and then I could feel very low and not care about anything. I am adopted so do not know my mothers history. Do you think I could be peri-menopausal?

Your symptoms are common ones experienced in the menopause but you are slightly under the average age range although some women do start earlier.... Read the full answer 〉

I am going through the Peri-menopause, and I'm feeling dreadful. Could you make some recommendations that may help? I have had so many symptoms but the worst ones are as follows; fatigue, feelings of weakness in my legs, low moods, breast tendernes, and headaches. I feel a bit confused about what to try.

Unfortunately, some women do have a raft of symptoms and this can be very confusing to treat as you could end up taking so many things! Firstly, I... Read the full answer 〉

In my mid-thirties I suffered from extremely frequent periods - every 13 days! This continued for a number of years. Usually they were very heavy for the first day or so, but by the time I was 42 this pattern had stopped. My periods returned to the normal 24 day cycle and now I have regular periods for 7-9 months of the year followed by a more lengthly gap. During this gap, my periods would normally start every 36 days. The gap has increased over the years and it is now around 70 days. Lately I am experiencing old blood spotting rather than periods between these gaps, though the flow is still heavy enough to warrent wearing protection. I am doubting whether or not this was a period. I have been going through family stress recently with my mum. On three occasions I've experienced hot flushes at night, although I took Sage tablets for a week and they seem to have worked. I suffered from hair loss around 5 years ago, and I am with a hair clinic who have confirmed that I have typical female pattern baldness. Consequently, I am taking minoxodil drops which have improved my hair growth to a very good rate. My last blood test, which was taken a year go, revealed that I was not menopausal. However, a blood test taken two years prior to that one, indicated that I was borderline. If anything else, I am more concerned with why I am bleeding brown blood, and I was wondering if this was one of the Peri-menopausal symptoms? Your opinion on the other factors would be greatly appreciated too.

Changing periods are often one of the major signs that you are approaching the menopause. Periods at this point can vary between heavy and light, on... Read the full answer 〉

I'm 49 years old and I think I'm on the Peri-menopause. My period lasted 16 days last month and I when I went to see the doctor they said it was my age. Now my period has returned and it's really heavy. I'm having blood clots as well but this is quite normal for me.

This is a common scenario on the approach to the menopause. For some women this may just happen for a few months and then their periods tail off... Read the full answer 〉

I'm 47 years old and I've not had a period for 9 months. I get the occasional hot flush, and at the moment I have a little breast pain. I'm getter a fluttery, hormonal in my lower abdomen as well. Is this normal for the Peri-menopause?

Yes, these are all common symptoms as you approach the menopause. If you are only experiencing them occasionally, it could just be stress triggering... Read the full answer 〉

I'm having menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, dry skin, spots, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, vaginal dryness, and night-sweats. However, I am on the mini-pill which has stopped my periods. How do I know if I am Peri-menopausal?

It is very difficult to tell if you are in the menopause if you are on the Pill as it will mask your own natural hormone levels. However, many women... Read the full answer 〉

I'm 47 and I've not had a period for 9 months. I get the occasional hot flush at the moment, and I have a little breast pain. I also get a fluttery, hormonal type of feeling around my lower abdomen. Is this normal for the Peri-menopause?

Yes, these are all common symptoms as you approach the menopause. If you are only experiencing them occasionally, it could just be stress triggering... Read the full answer 〉

I have a mirena coil recently had my 3rd one fitted. Blood test indicated it was still required for contraception although I have been told I'm peri. I have not had periods since having mirena. Getting countless migraines, hot flushes during the night mainly. Poor sleep. What could you recommend I take?

The problem with having the Mirena coil (which gives you progesterone) is that it's very difficult to tell what is going on with your own... Read the full answer 〉

My periods used to be 28 days on the dot but since late 2013, I've noticed that they're becoming more irregular. Does this mean that I am Peri-menopausal? I've had some anxiety issues, irritation, and bloating. It's driving me batty, can you help me?

Changing periods are often one of the first signs that you are approaching the menopause and you are in the average age range, 45-55, so it is... Read the full answer 〉

I have been menstruating for the past 21 days. It did become light but is now heavy and painful? I am 49 years old, am I peri-menopausal?

Heavy and frequent bleeding is quite common at the start of the menopause, but the key fact is that you really mustn't bleed for this long or... Read the full answer 〉

I think I am perimenapausal as suffering many symptoms such as night sweats, bloating, irregular periods, pms, etc. what can I do to ease symtoms?

You can usually sort out the night sweats using an extract of sage. It comes in tincture or tablet form and I suggest starting with the tincture... Read the full answer 〉

I am 42 years old and have had some issues with perimenpause. Skipping periods and sometimes more having two a month. Now I am having so far a 23 day period and have scheduled to see a doctor. Is there any remedy to help with the heavy flow and clotting?

Although prolonged periods are quite common in the perimenopause they are not good for you and can cause fatigue, low mood and sleep problems so I am... Read the full answer 〉

I am experiencing patches of hair loss around my hairline. I am 48 years old, and I am going through Peri-menopause. Is there anything you can do to help?

Hair loss is very common in the menopause; you may find a hair supplement such as Hair Complex helpful. Check your diet too, and make sure that you... Read the full answer 〉

Can peri-menopause cause a woman to look as though she is bulging in the tummy?

Bloating is very common in the menopause, and can be caused by several factors. Lowering levels of oestrogen can affect the digestion itself, causing... Read the full answer 〉

I think I am beginning to become peri-menopausal. I am still menstruating (although irregularly) but I'm having all the symptoms, especially hot flushes and night sweats. My question is:- do the symptoms 'dip in and out'? or remain constant throughout? I feel like I haven't slept for a week and wonder if this is it, night after night, for the next I don't know how many years.......

The peri-menopause and menopause are not static states and your hormone levels can fluctuate a lot and this often gives rise to periods where your... Read the full answer 〉

Hi, i have had hip and lower back pain on and off for a few months now, and only just read up that this can be associated with the perimenopause. Also, upon reading up on symptoms i have anxiety, mild depression, awful fatigue, lack of concentration, and more! Periods still are regular though, despite a browny discharge for one day between periods last month. Have been to the docs with the hip/back pain but he just diagnosed low iron and put me on 200mg a day and go back in 3 months to see if it has helped. Does this sound like perimenopause to you? If so, what do you recommend?

Joint pain is a very common symptom in the peri-menopause as falling oestrogen can affect the hydration of the joints, causing inflammation and... Read the full answer 〉

I am 42 years old and have had some issues with perimenpause. Skipping periods and sometimes having two a month. Right now I am having so far a 23 day period and have scheduled to see a doctor, is there any homeopathic remedy to help with the heavyflow and clotting?

Although prolonged periods are quite common in the perimenopause they are not good for you and can cause fatigue, low mood and sleep problems so I am... Read the full answer 〉

I'm 47 and am going through perimenopause. I am experiencing night sweats as well as overall achiness and sometimes only in my arm, wrist and finger joints. I feel a bit more fatigued as well. I exercise regularly but I wonder if I shouldn't exercise at a high impact level any longer. I do both cardio and weight bearing exercises. Do I need to wind down with the exercising?

Joint aches and pains are very common in the menopause, falling oestrogen can affect the hydration of the joints causing inflammation and... Read the full answer 〉

I think I am at the start of perimenopause (seen my doctor). I forgot to ask can you experience symptoms throughout a monthly cycle or just before and whilst on a period please?

Symptoms can come and go at all stages of your monthly cycle. This is because you are adjusting to a new phase where your hormones aren't following... Read the full answer 〉

I am 50 years old and am perimenopausal. In the past 7-9 months, I have been experiencing significant joint pain. I went to see a Rheumatologist because the pain was in both elbows, knees, wrists and knees. Some of the tests came out elevated; several others came out normal. So, I was told not to worry that I didn't have RA. After reading your website and others, I decided to go to an endocrinologist to evaluate my hormonal levels. I had the following tests done: Thyroid, Estrogen, Lipids, and urine. I have two questions for you: First, in your conversations with other women in perimenopause/menopause, have you found women with symmetrical joint pain such as myself. And two, what other tests are important to have to determine hormonal imbalance. Thanks for your help!!!.

Menopausal joint pain seems to be both single side and odd joints (such as right knee and left elbow) but can also be bi-lateral from one single pair... Read the full answer 〉

My worst symptoms are constant nausea, loss of appetite and a weird spacey head feeling. Every doctor says it is just anxiety and I am on AD and anxiety pills. Could this be from peri-menopause? So debilitating.

Nausea is a common symptom in the menopause and can often be caused by fluctuating oestrogen so you may find Menopause Support helpful. This is... Read the full answer 〉

My periods used to be 28 days on the dot, but since late 2013 I've noticed they are now 22 days, 23, 27, 26 days. Does this mean I’m becoming peri-menopausal? I also have some anxiety issues, irritation and bloating. It’s driving me batty. What can help with this?

Changing periods are often one of the first signs that you are approaching the menopause and you are in the average age range, 45-55, so it is... Read the full answer 〉

I've been feeling the joint pain, mood swings, anxiety, week bladder and numerous other symptoms, but I am still having regular periods. I'm nearly 48. Does this mean I'm not peri-menopausal?

From about 45 onwards your hormonal balance can start to subtly change in preparation for the menopause. These changes may not affect your periods... Read the full answer 〉

I am 51 years old and peri menopausal. The main symptoms I am seeking help with are vaginal dryness, passing large blood clots during irregular periods and anxiety. I seem to worry about everything nowadays and if I wake in the night and my mind starts working - usually worrying about something - I am unable to get back to sleep. The anxiety is awful and sometimes it makes me feel a bit depressed. I also now get joint pain in lower back. I would love to go back to not being anxious as if is causing me a lot of stress. I am lucky in so much that as yet I do not suffer from other symptoms such as hot flushes.

This is actually very common in the menopause.Lowering oestrogen can affect our mood and the menopause itself stresses the nervous system making us... Read the full answer 〉

I am 44 years old and experiencing night sweats and muscle aches around my neck, shoulders and lower limbs. This happens a week before my period. Is this the beginning of menopause?

These can be menopause symptoms but if your periods are still regular it can be difficult to tell. I would suggest seeing your doctor, they may be... Read the full answer 〉

I haven't had a period in months but had one start yesterday. I am 50, peri-menopausal, and work long hours on my feet as a server. I am bleeding heavily and became very dangerously dizzy while trying to do some light yoga this morning. Does this sound typical of someone going through menopausal fatigue?

It sounds as if either or both of your iron levels and blood pressure levels have fallen badly. This is not an unusual picture, but it shouldn't... Read the full answer 〉

If you take Agnus Castus for breast pain at age 49, presumably peri-menopausal, does it ease the symptoms or does it delay the symptoms? If it is used for hormone balancing, does that mean the menopause will be stopped while you take the remedy? Please can you explain what effect the remedy has?

Agnus castus is often used in the peri-menopause for symptoms such as breast pain, flooding, frequent periods. It normally helps by balancing/gently... Read the full answer 〉

I am 49yrs and my periods come every three months. I get palpitations, irregular heartbeat and dizziness, my joints are aching and my left breast becomes tender during my menstrual cycle. Am I menopausal?

These are all common symptoms on the approach to the menopause and you are in the average age range, 45-55 so it is possible. You may find a... Read the full answer 〉

I am 42 years old and have had some issues with peri-menopause, skipping periods and sometimes having more than two a month. I have now had a period for 23 days and am still going. I have scheduled to see a doctor. Is there any homeopathic remedy to help with the heavy flow and clotting?

Although prolonged periods are quite common in the peri-menopause they are not good for you and can cause fatigue, low mood and sleep problems so I... Read the full answer 〉

I'm 46. I have had a few months where I have had very dark, almost black, thick bleeding but quite light. Is this a recognised stage to go through in the peri-menopause?

As you approach the menopause your periods can change a lot from light, heavy, dark blood, light blood, consistency and even smell so this is quite... Read the full answer 〉

What can be done to help at peri menopause stage? I have hot sweats and joint pain along with low energy etc! But still having periods.

You could try Menopause Support as this is traditionally used to help gently raise and balance oestrogen which should help with your symptoms. I... Read the full answer 〉

I have been suffering from poor sleep and anxiety for 3 months. I am 55 and still having regular periods. I had FSH test done just before I started my period which showed normal. Could I still be peri menopausal? My gut feeling is my anxiety is hormone related. How can I find out for sure?

The average age of the menopause is 45-55 so it is likely that your hormonal balance is changing even though your periods are still regular..... Read the full answer 〉

Can I please ask your advice on perimenopause? My wife is 44 years old, works a very stressful job with long hours, our two children have recently left home, my son in Sseptember to university, and my daughter in November to set up home with her boyfriend. A week or so after my daughter had moved out my wife came home from work and seemed agitated, she said she could not do this any longer and walked out. She will not go to the doctor as she says she will sort herself out and the doctor will only give her antidepresants. I have not pushed her at all and have told her I will support her no matter what and I will always love her. I think she may be perimenopausal. If this is perimenopause how long will she be like this? What I am trying to ask is, is my wife now permanently changed or is this a mood swing? Is there anything else I can to do to help her?

Unfortunately, this is quite common and a combination of stress, hormonal changes and children leaving home can be a major part of the problem. In... Read the full answer 〉

Hi I am 35 years old. Never had children but 6 years ago, after my mother passed away, I began with night sweats, heart palpitations etc. The Dr took blood tests and said I am in my "pre - menopause" - how can that be? Some say it is because of the shock of my Mother’s death. I have my period every month but about 2 weeks before my period my breasts are soooooooo sore and I am soooo irritated. I've tried so many products and vitamins to help for the heavy sore breasts, but it doesn’t help. What can I do??? I am desperate!!!

Severe shock can cause hormonal change so it is possible. I would suggest trying Agnus castus, this is traditionally used to help regulate the... Read the full answer 〉

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Did you know?

You won’t get the menopause the minute you turn 50! The average starting age is actually between 45 and 55 and it can often depend on a number of factors including hereditary, weight and health, however every single woman will have an individual menopause.

Learn the truth behind other menopause myths