My friend is 36 years old and has been told today that she 'may' be starting the menopause. She is trying to start a family. If this is confirmed, does this mean that she can't conceive or carry?

36 is still very young to be starting the menopause, although it can happen in a few cases.

Your friend should really see her doctor and ask for a saliva test, these are usually very accurate - blood tests are often wrong!

Even if she is starting the menopause, it can take several years before egg release stops completely so there may still be time.

She could contact Foresight; this is an organisation which specialises in natural means to aid conception and they have a very high success rate.

Eileen Durward