Am I going through the menopause? I've had a headache for the past three days and my periods are unusual; I had a very heavy flow for 2 days and then nothing at all. I am also getting really hot, especially during the day. Does being menopausal cause agoraphobia?

Headaches are common during the menopause and are often caused by fluctuating oestrogen.

You may find Menopause Support helpful as this is traditionally used to help gently raise and balance oestrogen, and I would also suggest a magnesium supplement too.

Stress and dehydration can also be contributory factors so make sure that you are drinking plenty of plain water everyday - tea, coffee, fizzy drinks don't count and are best avoided in the menopause anyway (they can trigger hot flushes in some women).

However, headaches can be caused by other factors not associated with the menopause so do get this checked out by your doctor as well.

Changing periods and spotting are also common at this stage as your oestrogen starts to wind down and falling oestrogen can also cause mood shifts often leading to anxiety, panic attacks, wanting to be alone etc.

However, if you feel your mood really falling it is important to see your doctor about this as well. For some women, the hormonal changes can be very severe and this may need medical treatment.

Eileen Durward