I've gone over 2 years without having a period. My womb was cleaned out due to having very heavy periods whilst I was going through the menopause. I have been symptom free for over a year now but suddenly my symptoms, like night-sweats and hot flushes, are back with a vengeance. I exercise 3 times a week and I eat fairly healthy. I am 52 years old and I started the change at 45. What advice can you give me?

After all this time without periods menopause-like symptoms may be an indication of adrenal stress rather than hormonal. 

In this situation, it is very important to do supportive work for the adrenals such as taking a high strength multi-vitamin with extra magnesium, (aim to work up to at least 400-600mg per day).

Liquorice tea can be helpful as well. I would also suggest acupuncture, it can be very effective for adrenal stress.

Studies have shown that daily relaxation can reduce symptoms quickly so make 30 minutes of relaxation a day a priority.

Check your diet too - avoid caffeine and high salt and sugar foods as these can all trigger the adrenals contributing to symptoms.

Low iron and low thyroid can also cause similar symptoms so it is a good idea to ask your doctor to test for these if they haven't done so already.

In the meantime, you may find the sage tablets helpful for the flushes.

Eileen Durward