Question;-I’m 45  I started feeling strange sensations in my body at odd times in the month.Sometimes feeling weak in the arms and legs (almost tingly). I find that if I miss a meal I feel just dreadful, even though I may not feel that hungry. My breasts can tingle more than they used to and [...]

Cervical screening As women approach the menopause they will or should have had at some time had a cervical smear. Screening prevents or detects cervical cancer, therefore early detection of abnormal cells can be treated accordingly. These cells are taken from the neck of the womb or cervix  by a wooden spatula, once a speculum, [...]

Cauliflower:- you either like it or hate it …  Is one of several vegetables in the species of the Brassicaceae, produced from seed this produces a large white headed vegetable, the part eaten but the outer green leaves should not be discarded, they add colour to a sometimes pale but versatile vegetable.   Cauliflower is very [...]

Question:-I’m now 50 and have had several breaks from HRT  I’m now on patches and I am having quite heavy periods, progesterone patches,  Am I through the change now and most importantly am I fertile? Reply:- Progesterone patches give the inconvenience of monthly bleeds, Side effects vary to the individual , weight gain fluid retention [...]

February is wet & cold,  not the most inspiring month, but comfort British vegetables are at their best.   Either for  mashing, roasting and soups, potatoes are an all rounders, along with  celeriac, swede parsnip and carrots. Healthy greens, called brassica’s, include sprouts, broccoli, savoy cabbage, this month is the time for excellent purple sprouting [...]

Question:-I have just turned 50 and have had very regular periods since puberty. I have had three months with no bleeding and now have had another period which is continuing and into its 12th day. Is this anything to worry about? Reply:-Periods do become irregular at the time of the menopause, there are 3 types  [...]

Question:-I have been taking tamoxifen for five years. I have only had 1 period at the start and wonder if my periods will come back once I stop taking the tablets. I am 43 years old Reply:-About 20% of women will have irregular periods on tamoxifen, but only a few stop their cycles entirely.Tamoxifen will [...]

Question:- 43 years old but I have bleeding between my menstrual cycle but this month I had bleeding for one day and stopped and I’m having hot flushes mainly my feet are sweating and at night I have hot flushes and at night use toilet regularly lately Reply:-seek medical advice on irregular bleeding.

Question:I am 43 on   TRETEMEN HRT, can I become pregnant ! Reply:- YES- although your fertility decreases during the menopause, it may still be possible for you to conceive. Therefore you should continue to use contraception,  for at least 2 years after your last period.

Question:- I am 41 and have never had children. Since January 08 I have had 3 periods and keep getting hot flushes on and off. I assume that this is the start of the menopause. I am curious to know if it is normal to feel a bit depressed about the menopause. I never wanted [...]