I started the menopause at 40 and have painful nipples. Is this anything to worry about?

Breast/nipple pain or tenderness is very common in the menopause and often caused by fluctuating oestrogen.

As long as you are not on any other hormonal contraception/medication, you could try Menopause Support. This is traditionally used to help gently raise/balance oestrogen levels and may reduce symptoms. Kelp can often help as well.

Dehydration can be a contributory factor so do make sure that you are drinking plenty of plain water every day - tea, coffee, fizzy/sugary drinks can make symptoms worse so are best avoided!

Just remember to get any breast changes checked out by the doctor as well.

Have you been measured properly for bra size? In and after the menopause breast tissue, size and shape can change quite dramatically and an ill fitting bra, especially if you wear under-wired ones, can cause breast pain too! Most big department stores offer a free service so it would be worth checking out.

Eileen Durward