Question:

I am 48 years old and have not had a period for at least six months. I have never suffered any menopause symptoms but have been through a lot of stress lately. I had a smear recently and told the nurse that I had not had period for at least six months. I was advised to get a blood test to check my hormonal balance. I was told that if they were okay then this needed to be investigated as I suddenly stopped having periods. I had the results today and the doctor – very curtly just said you have started your menopause – but he also said my hormones levels are normal. Is this right – if so fair enough but I don’t really feel convinced after what the nurse said. Please advise. Thank you.

Answer:

Stress can play an important role in hormonal balance, causing irregular or the absence periods, but not having a period for 6 months may be the start of the perimenpause phase, at 48
the average age of the menopause is 51
FHS (follicle -stimulating hormone)  rising levels indicate the start of  menopause, and measured in a blood test,
was this your test?
Not all women suffer the same symptoms and some will barely have any
so keep well and being  positive helps tremendously