I am 56 years old and am going through the change. I am having periods which are six months apart and are very heavy. I am also having pain which I never had during normal periods, should I be worried or is it normal?

This is actually quite common, although your hormone levels are falling there is still a monthly cycle, not high enough to trigger a bleed but still high enough to give PMT-like symptoms.

One of the reasons for the periods being so heavy and painful is that it is taking so long for the build-up and when the period finally comes the uterus has to work extra hard to expel everything resulting in the muscles cramping.

You may find a daily magnesium citrate supplement helps with this, but if the pain does increase then it is best to check with your doctor.

Eileen Durward