I have been off birth control since Feb. My periods stopped soon after I went off the pill. I have taken the pill my whole marriage (21 years). I have not had any medical treatment for menopause. My symptoms have increased hot flashes, very painful sex, and joint pains all over which are scary.

Stopping the Pill, especially if you have come through the menopause which is more than likely at your age now, can cause hormonal withdrawal symptoms (you are suddenly without hormones that you body has been relying on for years) and this can stress your adrenal system causing menopause-like symptoms including, flushes, joint pain and vaginal dryness. It can also take the body a good while to rebalance itself.

I would suggest trying Menopause Support, this is known to gently raise and balance oestrogen and may help to reduce symptoms. I would also suggest a good female multivit with extra magnesium to help support your body at this time.

Your doctor may well suggest HRT for you but do remember that although it may help just now when you eventually have to come off it you will be in exactly the same situation as now! Acupuncture can often be really effective for hormonal balance when stopping contraception or HRT so worth looking into

Eileen Durward