I haven't had a proper period now for over a year. I have had a couple of minor spotting incidents. Is this normal?

Spotting such as this is common on the approach to the menopause and may happen several times before your periods eventually stop for good.

It can often take up to two years for your hormones to fall to such a level that your periods stop permanently and during this time you can get the odd hormonal blip. Ups and downs in our hormones may happen for a number of reasons and changes in our diet (interestingly, especially if we improve it!), daily routines including patterns in exercise, or altered stress levels can all influence this.

Whilst the return of some spotting or some periods is generally nothing to worry about, if your symptoms persist or get any worse you might want to arrange a check up with your doctor.

I hope this helps,

Best wishes

Eileen Durward