My periods stopped 3 years ago but I'm still suffering from painful joints in my elbows, knees, and hands. I'm always anxious and feeling low. My night-sweats have not gone away and I'm constantly over-thinking things. I'm getting tired of these symptoms. When will they stop?

You are considered through the menopause after not having had any periods for 2 years and by then your symptoms should have tailed off.

Menopause-like symptoms after all this time 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.

Liquorice tea can be helpful as well but I would also suggest acupuncture as 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.

Eileen Durward