I turned 40 in July. In my september, my periods started coming twice a month. They continued to vary until December, when I bled for five days, stopped for one day, and then started again. I'm still bleeding and I'm starting to get very worried. Can you help me please?

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. Other women find that this can continue for a good while.

Over time this can cause anaemia, which in turn can cause fatigue, low mood, poor sleep. If this continues, it is important to go to your doctor and ask them to look into it for you.

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

Eileen Durward