I am 46 years old and I have not had hot sweats or any other menopausal symptoms. I had a normal period that finished eight days ago, but I have now started to bleed again with none of the usual cramps etc. It is also a lot brighter than usual. My partner and I had sex the previous night but this has never happened before. Could you please give me some advice?

The majority of women will go through the menopause with little or no problems. It is very common to just suddenly find your periods changing with no warning, however, it is a good idea to get this checked by your doctor as well.

They can test your hormone levels and that will give you a better idea of what is happening. The average age of starting the approach to the menopause is 45-55, and this phase where your periods start to change.

It can last several years before they stop for good, although some women find that they change for a short while only.

Unfortunately, there is no real way to tell!

Eileen Durward