I am turning 50 in July. I noticed my period changed without any complications just a week ago. My skin has also become itchy in certain parts of my body - first my legs, and then my arms. Could this be the start of the menopause?

Itchy skin is very common in the menopause and is often caused by lowering oestrogen levels.

However; stress, dehydration, and constipation can be contributory factors so do look at your diet and lifestyle as well and make sure that you are drinking plenty of plain water every day - tea, coffee, or fizzy drinks don't count!

You could also try a fermented soya supplement such as Menopause Support as this is traditionally used to help gently raise and balance oestrogen so it may help to reduce symptoms as well.

Some women find taking a couple of cups of nettle tea a day can help too.

Acupuncture is known to help balance the hormones in the menopause so it would be worth looking into as well.

Eileen Durward