I haven't had a period now for over 16 months now and my doctor just says come back after I haven't had a period for two years – well, one said 1 year and another says 2, so what am I to do? I can cope with the warm spells as I call them but I don't know what else to expect. I don't want to go back to the doctors about it, as I find they aren't much help.

It is now generally considered that you are through the menopause after 1 year with no periods. In most cases your menopausal symptoms should tail off. However, many women find that their symptoms can last longer. Very often this is not to do with the hormones but what is called Adrenal Stress. This stress can cause similar symptoms to the menopause and the two are often confused. If you are experiencing only minor symptoms, especially after all this time, then it is unlikely that you will start to get more severe ones. However, it is important to keep looking after yourself, eat well and keep stress at bay if possible.

Eileen Durward