Since my periods stopped 18 months ago, I have considered myself post-menopausal. I have worked my way through symptoms such as hot flushes and night-sweats, but this past week I have been experiencing tender breasts. Despite the fact that I am exercising and eating well, I have still not lost any weight.

You are normally considered through the menopause after not having had any periods for 2 years*, so you are in the transitional phase where your hormone levels are still adjusting.

It is very common to get such symptoms at this time. You may find Menopause Support helpful as this is traditionally used to help gently raise and balance oestrogen thus reducing symptoms. Some women also find a kelp supplement helpful for the breast tenderness.

Hormonal changes at this time can often affect the metabolism and carbohydrate digestion and many women find that weight becomes an issue in the menopause.

It often seems that no matter how little you eat and how much you exercise, it makes no difference! I tend to suggest cutting carbs right down and increasing good quality protein and vegyables - this can often help quite quickly.

Read more about it in the 'Low GL Diet' - you can get books on this from Amazon.

Sensible exercise is important but don't go overboard. The menopause puts tremendous strain on the body and if you push yourself too hard, the body can go into 'survival mode' and reduce the metabolism further!

Try eating little and often with snacks between meals such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, plain yogurt etc.

*some doctors say 1 year but we are finding that many women still get the odd period even after a year or so without any!

Eileen Durward