At what age does the menopause start? I am 48 and I feel like I have a lot of the symptoms. My mother started the menopause at 46 does that mean I would start early?

The average age for starting the menopause is between 45-55 so you are in the general age range.

The time you start can be hereditary so it may well be that you are in the peri-menopause just now. This is the stage where your hormones are starting to change and although you may still have periods every month you may start to get other symptoms such as hot flushes etc.

If you are not on any hormonal contraception you could try Menopause Support.

Eileen Durward