I am 51 years old. I went a year or so getting my period every 2 months. Then I skipped having a period for almost 3 months, then it came back heavier, with big clots. That was 2 weeks ago, and now it's returned again. I have already been suffering from hot flushes for about 4 months. Do you think that my periods will be stopping soon? If not, I am considering having a Utering Ablation. These periods are making me anaemic and extremely stressed.

This is a really common scenario on the approach to the menopause but it is so difficult to say how long it will last.

Every woman is different; for some this may last a few months but for others it could go on for several years.

As you have found, this can cause anaemia so I do hope you are taking iron tablets? Stress can have a profound effect on menopause symptoms so it is very important to control this, I know - easier said than done!

However, it has been proven that 30 minutes of relaxation every day can reduce symptoms very quickly!

Some women find the herb Agnus castus helpful as this is traditionally used to help restore a proper monthly cycle and reduce heavy bleeding.

Taking a good multi-vitamin supplement would be a good idea too.

Acupuncture can also be very effective for hormonal balance at this time so it is well worth looking into.

Eileen Durward