I'm 50 years old and I still have periods. I'm actually up at this ungodly hour because my skin is really itchy and it's driving me mad, to the point where I can't sleep! I recently went to the doctors with terrible joint pain and I was tested for rheumatoid arthritis but the results were negative. I went back to the doctors and asked for some help with the menopause. The doctor gave me a questionaire to fill in and the verdict was depression, so I was prescribed anti-depressants for a month. I've finished taking them and I've decided against having another course. Is there a home-kit or something I can do to determine whether or not I'm going through the menopause?

Your doctor can test your hormone levels.

Blood tests, however, are not that accurate but may give you a good idea as to what is happening. A saliva test is much better but most doctors won't offer this as it is more expensive!

You can also get kits to send off, some healthshops and pharmacies stock them.

Your symptoms are typical menopause ones and you are in the average age range so it is possible you are starting the approach.

You may find Menopause Support helpful, this is traditionally used to help gently raise and balance oestrogen thus reducing symptoms.

Acupuncture can often be really effective at this stage so worth looking into.

Try a couple of cups of nettle tea a day as this can help with the itchy skin and make sure that you are drinking plenty of plain water.

Dehydration can make symptoms worse and try to avoid caffeine, high salt and sugar foods, and fizzy/sugary drinks as well.

Eileen Durward