I am 42 and am experiencing hot flushes. I have not had a period in a year. Am I in the menopause?

Hot flushes and absence of periods is a common sign that you are approaching the menopause.

However, you are still a little on the young side.

A small number of women do have an early menopause, especially if other close female relatives started early, however, there can be other causes such as stress, low iron or low thyroid problems so it is best to get this checked out by your doctor.

They can also test your hormone levels and that may give you a better idea of what is happening.

Eileen Durward