Hi I am 52 and just recently started to have period cramps, bloating and painful swollen breasts, have marina coil so not pregnant! Is this menopause starting?

The problem with having the Mirena coil (which gives you progesterone) is that it can unbalance your own natural hormone levels.

When you start the menopause your level of oestrogen starts to fall but your progesterone level is kept artificially high with the coil so the 'gap' between the two hormones gets wider and wider.

This can then give you low oestrogen symptoms that you can get with a natural menopause such as bloating, breast pain, low mood etc.

So you may be experiencing menopausal developments or just the side effects of the Mirena coil! It may be an idea to discuss with your doctor whether you do still need the coil or if there are other options available that would allow your own natural hormone levels to balance out.

Eileen Durward