I had a partial hysterectomy when I was 28 years old. I'm 42 now and over the past few years I have not felt right. I'm very moody, tired, and I've been having panic attacks. I also get headaches quite frequently and I've noticed a strong, unpleasant tast in my mouth. I go to the toilet about 4 times during the night. Despite eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegtables, I feel ill all the time. I've lost about a stone in weight. I never feel cold either, I'm always too hot. Could I be going through the menopause?

When you ovaries are left in it can trigger the menopause around the same age as you would have had it naturally.

However, 42 is still quite young to be starting the menopause although it may happen if other close female relative started early.

Low iron, low vitamin D, and low thyroid can often appear at this age and all of them can cause similar symptoms.

I would advise that you see your doctor and ask them to test for these just to rule them out. They may also be able to test your hormone levels, which would give you a better idea of what is happening.

In the meantime, you may find a general tonic such as Floradix helpful and you can get this from most healthshops.

Eileen Durward