ASK THE DOCTOR

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

- DAWN HARPER

COULD I BE PERIMENOPAUSAL?

Q I have always had a regular 30-day cycle, but this year my periods have gone all over the place. I had a couple just two weeks apart and then nothing for eight weeks. For the last month or so, I have also had night sweats. My friends think I could be going through the menopause, but I'm only 42. What do you think?

A The average age for menopause in the UK is 51. If your periods stop before the age of 45, we call this an early menopause. As you are under 45, your GP can arrange some blood tests to check your hormones. If you are perimenopausal, and have daughters, please tell them as early menopause can run in families.

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