I am 49 years old and two years ago I had a hysterectomy. I now sweat a lot at night. Could I be menopausal?

Having a hysterectomy can put tremendous strain on the body, and when your ovaries are left this normally triggers the menopause around about the same age as you would have had it naturally.

The stress of the operation and the stress of the menopause can affect the nervous system dramatically, causing what is called Adrenal Fatigue.

This gives rise to symptoms very similar to menopause ones such as hot flushes, fatigue, joint pain, low mood etc.

In this situation it is very important to do supportive work for the adrenals such as a high strength multi-vitamin with extra magnesium.

Liquorice tea can be helpful as well.

I would also suggest acupuncture. It can be very effective for adrenal stress.

Studies have shown that daily relaxation can reduce symptoms quickly, so make taking 30 minutes of relaxation a day a priority.

Check your diet too; avoid caffeine and high salt and sugar foods as these can all trigger the adrenals, contributing to symptoms.

Low iron and low thyroid can also cause similar symptoms, so it is a good idea to ask your doctor to test for these if they haven't done so already.

Eileen Durward