My last period was 7 weeks ago. I've been having period pains, nausea, and tender breasts. I've not done a pregnancy test as I'm 51. Will these symptoms continue for a long time?

Missing periods are often one of the first signs of the approach to the menopause and your other symptoms are common as well.

Your doctor may be able to test your hormone levels and that will give you a better idea of what is happening.

In the meantime, you may find a good female multi-vitamin helpful, and extra magnesium may help the period pain.

Kelp can often ease breast discomfort.

It is very difficult to tell how long menopause symptoms will last as each woman has an individual one but stress, poor diet/lifestyle, dehydration, and constipation/IBS can all make symptoms worse.

Eileen Durward