I am 51, since February I have been very depressed. My last period was very light lasted 2 days the one before was very heavy and lasted 4 days. My doctor put me on antidepressants they are not doing any good he said it's not the menopause as I don't have night sweats. I have seen a female doctor who said the same thing. I'm now on highest dose but feel no better. What do you think as I am desperate?

As you are getting a number of symptoms and you are in the average age range 45-55 it is possible you are approaching the menopause. (According to research about 1/3 of women going through the menopause don't get flushes or sweats so this is not a definitive marker!).

Unfortunately menopause depression is often treated with antidepressants and they often don't help. I would suggest trying Menopause Support, this is traditionally used to help gently raise and balance oestrogen (it's the falling oestrogen that can cause low mood etc). I would also suggest a good female multivit with extra magnesium - magnesium is vital for mood, relaxation and sleep.

Acupuncture can be really good for this so worth looking into as well. Check your diet, too and make sure that you are having a good, varied diet, drink plenty of water as dehydration can make depression worse, and try a little exercise every day. Gentle daily exercise produces 'happy chemicals' in the brain which can help to alleviate low mood so very important!

Eileen Durward