I am an active 48 year old woman and over the past 2 months I have been experiencing severe period pain at least a day before my period arrives. It is enough to stop me in my tracks and it can last for half an hour or so. This has never happened to me before. I'm also feeling as though I want to urinate more, but I do drink a lot of water. It feels as though there is a little bit of urine that sits at the end of the tube. It does not burn, but it is annoying.

As you approach the menopause your hormonal balance can start to change even though your periods are still regular.

This change stresses the body and often low magnesium can be the result. This can then be a factor in cramping/period pains, and also fatigue, low mood, poor sleep etc.

I would suggest a high strength magnesium supplement to see if that helps.

Unfortunately too, lowering levels of oestrogen can weaken the bladder leading to less control and needing to go more even though you're drinking the same.

You may find taking a phyto-oestrogen, such as Menopause Support, helpful. This is traditionally used to help gently raise and balance oestrogen.

It may also be a good idea to start doing the Kegel Exercises (just Google for instructions), as they can help to strengthen the pelvic floor, supporting the bladder.

However, I would suggest getting this checked by your doctor as well just in case there is a low grade infection present.

Eileen Durward