I am 43 years old and I have started to get insomnia. I'm also getting really low moods, I'm bursting into tears all the time and I feel like everything is a struggle. I usually cope with most things but I find myself in tears all the time. I am only getting about 5 hours of sleep a night, often waking up as my mind is racing, and I can't just drop back off to sleep again. Is this a sign of the menopause? What do you think I should do? I hate seeing the doctor as they give out happy pills like they are Smarties!

At 43, you are still a little young to be starting the menopause unless other close female relatives started around that age as well.

Low iron, low thyroid, and low vitamin D can all cause similar symptoms so it would be best to ask your doctor to test for these just to rule them out.

They may also be able to test your hormone levels which would give you a better idea of what is happening.

In the meantime, you could try Dormeasan as this is traditionally used to help restore a good night's sleep and I would also suggest a good female multi-vitamin as well.

Eileen Durward