I have been off birth control since February. My periods stopped soon after I went off the pill. I have taken the Pill consistently throughout my 21 year marriage. I did not want children. I am now 58 years old and I've not had any medical treatment for the menopause. I have an annual Pap coming up in September, but I want to call my doctor and tell them that my symptoms have increased. I am getting hot flushes, for which I am taking Black Cohosh. Sex is now very painful as well. I'm also getting joint pains all over my body, which is very scary. I wish it would all be over. Can you help me?

Stopping the Pill, especially if you have come through the menopause which is more than likely at your age now, can cause hormonal withdrawal symptoms.

You are suddenly without hormones that you body has been relying on for years, and this can stress your adrenal system, causing menopause-like symptoms including, flushes, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.

It can also take the body a good while to rebalance itself. I would suggest trying Menopause Support as this is known to gently raise and balance oestrogen and may help to reduce symptoms.

I would also suggest a good female multivit with extra magnesium to help support your body at this time.

Your doctor may well suggest HRT for you but do remember that although it may help just now, when you eventually have to come off it you will be in exactly the same situation as now!

Acupuncture can often be really effective for hormonal balance when stopping contraception or HRT, so it is worth looking into

Eileen Durward