I often feel hot when others claim it's cold. Now I've started waking at night feeling very hot! Last night it happened three times. Reading the information on the site, I've noticed that I do have a few symptoms of the menopause but I'm only 43 years old and so apparently too young to have started the menopause. Could you please advise me as to what this could be and whether I should visit my GP?

Stress, low iron, low thyroid, and low vitamin D can all cause flushes/sweats so it is a good idea to ask your doctor to test for these just to rule them out.

The average age for the menopause is 45-55 but some women do start earlier, especially if other close female relatives have started around the same age.

Your doctor may be able to also test your hormone levels and that might give you a better idea of what is happening.

Eileen Durward