I haven't had a period since January, 2014. I'm 49 years old. Have I started the menopause?

One of the first signs of approaching the menopause is missing periods and you are in the average age range of, 45-55, so it is possible.

However, you may find you miss one or two periods then they come back for a while, then they miss again and so on - this can last for quite a while before your periods stop for good.

For other women their periods just stop and that's it!

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell how it will unfold.

Your doctor may be able to test your hormone levels and that might give you a better idea of what is happening.

Eileen Durward