I turned 46 a couple of weeks ago and I have been experiencing breast pain for 2 or 3 weeks a month over the last 5 or 6 months. My periods were erratic last year - ranging between a few spots and being so heavy I need to visit the ladies every hour, and having severe cramps. My last 'proper' period was 4 months ago (just a few spots since then), and I have had hot flushes and mood swings. Is this the menopause? I guess I didn't expect it so early!

There are two main phases to the menopause.

The approach to the menopause is called the Peri-menopause and this is when your hormonal balance starts to change but you would still get periods, although they can start to get closer together, further apart, heavier, or lighter, and eventually they stop.

This phase is different for every woman and can last from a few months up to 5 years; for some women their periods just stop and that's it.

This phase usually starts between 45-55 so you are in the average age range and your periods may not stop completely for a number of years yet!

Symptoms in this phase are similar to menopause ones although many women can go through the menopause with little or no symptoms at all. 

When you have not had a period for two years then you are considered through the menopause. Again, symptoms at this time can vary so, unfortunately, it is very difficult to tell how long they will last.

Looking after yourself well is very important at this time as the healthier you are, in general, the less likely you are to getting severe symptoms.

You may find Menopause Support helpful as this is traditionally used to gently raise and balance oestrogen thus reducing symptoms and magnesium is often helpful for the cramps, you would take 200mg twice a day with food.

A kelp supplement can often help with breast pain but do get any sudden changes checked out by your doctor as well.

Eileen Durward