I had my last period when I was 50 years old. I am now 60 years old and I've just had surgery done to my shoulder. I was suffering from vertigo, but it appears to have eased off for now. I have gained 40lbs within the past 6 months, but I don't eat much and I have no taste buds. I've also got restless legs, and I'm getting hot flushes. I can't stay still and I'm constantly grinding my teeth. My question is, am I going through the menopause or could this be happening because I take Hydrocortisone for the pain? I've lost a lot of my hair but it's still thick and my nails grow long and very strong.

If your periods stopped 10 years ago and these symptoms are just recent then they are very unlikely to be due to menopause - you are officially considered to be through the menopause once you haven't had a period for a year.

It sounds to me as if you need to go back to your doctor and talk to them about the symptoms you are experiencing, as sudden weight gain and hot flushes unassociated with the menopause may indicate thyroid issues, which may have been triggered by the medication

Eileen Durward

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Did you know?

You won’t get the menopause the minute you turn 50! The average starting age is actually between 45 and 55 and it can often depend on a number of factors including hereditary, weight and health, however every single woman will have an individual menopause.

Learn the truth behind other menopause myths