I have been feeling very peculiar for most of this year - I have been experiencing bouts of anxiety, sleeplessness, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, slight ringing in the ears, terrible tiredness. More recently I have been having phases of feeling completely overwhelmed and have uncontrollable crying fits where I have produced more tears than I ever thought possible! I have rages too, but keep hoping these are PMT which I have tended to suffer from in my 40s. My periods have been a little closer together over the past couple of years but still very regular however I have not had a period for over 10 weeks now. I am by nature a little emotional and highly strung and inclined to worry but feel that I am more emotional than ever. I consulted my doctor and asked for blood tests to check hormone levels - results came back normal and inconclusive although I gather it is quite a difficult thing to test for. I feel inclined towards being in denial because my mother experienced the menopause at 56, so I have convinced myself that menopause is a long way off but I am beginning to think not! I would find it so very reassuring to KNOW what it going on, that I am not going mad - Is there another test I can have, for example in Germany you can have a simple ultrasound on your ovaries. I would like to know what I am dealing with before exploring ways to help deal with symptoms.

This is really common, so don't panic: you are not going mad! The reason behind it is low oestrogen levels. Oestrogen acts as a mild antidepressant and generally makes us cheerier. With less of it around we can feel very emotionally vulnerable and weepy or angry even though our brain tells us that there is no real reason for our feelings. There are several things you can do to make yourself less vulnerable. Firstly you could consider taking a phyto-estrogen, which is gentle oestrogen found in plants, which can make you feel more emotionally robust without any of the side effects associated with a strong oestrogen like HRT. Check out Menopause Support for this one option.

Secondly you could consider taking Hypericum, if you are not on any other medication. This is a mild plant-based antidepressant that many women find very supportive during the menopause. I suggest using the tincture (liquid) format if you go for this one, as it works faster than the tablets.

Thirdly, exercise makes you produce more natural antidepressants in your own body, so although it's usually the last thing you feel like doing when your low mood strikes, a 10-20 minute walk or quick jog around the block or even 5 minutes with a skipping rope will make you feel a lot better. If you get used to doing a small amount of exercise most days - just 10-20 minutes, nothing drastic - then you will be better protected against low mood.

You may also find Mood Essence or Confidence Essence helpful, and these can be taken alongside any other medication or supplement.

Hormonal bloods tests can be inaccurate as they do depend on your hormone level on the day, you could ask for a saliva test - these are much more accurate but doctors tend not to offer them as they are a lot more expensive! Were your also tested for low iron or low thyroid? Both of these can cause very similar symptoms, if not then it may be an idea to ask your doctor to check just to rule them out.
The average age of starting the approach to the menopause is 45-55 so you are within the range and the starting age isn't always the same as other close female relatives.