My periods are very heavy and often only two weeks apart. I just turned 43. I also often feel a sensation in one or both breasts, as if my milk was letting down (a memory from breastfeeding days). Is this normal?

This is a common scenario on the approach to the menopause; for some women this may just happen for a few months and then their periods tail off before stopping, but for other women this can continue for a good while.

Over time this can cause anaemia, which in turn can cause fatigue, low mood, and poor sleep. If this does happen it is important to go to your doctor and ask them to check this out.

In the meantime, you may find a gentle iron tonic helpful and some women find the herb Agnus castus helpful for this as it is traditionally used to help restore a proper monthly cycle.

Eileen Durward