I am 49 years old and I had the Mirena Coil fitted after the birth of my last child, when I was 36. As I do not have any periods, I cannot use that to gauge if I am going through the menopause. However, I have other symptoms - tiredness, tearfulness, loss of interest in food, low energy, short temper ect. How can I find out if this is definitely a result of the menopause rather than anything else e.g. underactive thyroid?

It is very difficult to tell if you are in the menopause if you have the Mirena Coil as it will mask your own natural hormone levels.

However, many women do find that menopause symptoms do 'break through' at some point and all you can do is really gauge by that.

I would see your doctor as they may be able to offer specific advice as to what you should do now. You can also ask them to test for low iron, low thyroid, and low vitamin D as these can all cause similar symptoms.

In the meantime, you may find a female multi-vitamin and extra magnesium helpful for your symptoms.

Eileen Durward