CHANGE of life

HORMONES, HOT FLUSHES AND HAIR LOSS – MENOPAUSE CAN BE A MINEFIELD

My periods are all over the place. I won’t have one for six months, then I’ll have two. Is this menopause?

This is perimenopause, the period leading up to the end of menstruation. You’re only considered to have gone through menopause once you have gone for 12 months in a row without having a period. Erratic periods are one of the more obvious signs you are headed for menopause – in some women, they can last for several years before they end. My periods are becoming irregular, but they are heavier rather than lighter.

Is this normal?

Yes. While declining hormones sometimes lead to lighter periods, you can also experience heavier bleeding thanks to the fact that your hormone levels are fluctuating. Progesterone, the hormone that keeps oestrogen in check, can drop and if your oestrogen levels are still high without progesterone to balance things out, heavy bleeding is likely.

I’ve got a visit to a heart specialist booked because

I have been experiencing heart palpitations. However, one of my friends has mentioned that palpitations can be a menopause symptom. Is this correct?

Yes, it is – hormonal fluctuations can cause heart palpitations. These may feel like your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering or pounding. They usually go away after a few seconds. However, it is a good idea to see a specialist as you need to rule out other causes. It is crucial to get anything to do with your heart checked out – especially if you are also short of breath and feel dizzy – as these symptoms can be a sign of a more serious problem.

After many years of being single,

I have recently met a man. As I think

I am going through the menopause, I want to know if we need to use contraception? I am 47 and my periods have started to become irregular.

are While your chances of conception very slim at this age and when your periods aren’t regular, as long as you are still menstruating, it is still a possibility. Unless you want to risk a pregnancy, it is best to still use contraception until you have gone without a period for 12 months or more. Is hair loss a symptom of menopause? I can’t think why else mine would

have become so thin and patchy over the last couple of years.

Hormone levels can affect hair growth and not in a good way. A drop off in oestrogen can cause the hair on your head to become thin. It can also cause a loss of pubic hair. And it can also cause facial hair to grow. There’s not much you can do, but some experts

say keeping your hormones balanced

with exercise and good diet can help. Try to add salmon, tuna, walnuts and almonds to your diet as they can help maintain good hair health. I haven’t had acne since I was a teenager, but all of a sudden, in my late forties, I am getting lots of spots. Could this be due to menopause?

be Yes, as mad as it seems, you could getting acne due to hormonal changes.

of Oestrogen is involved in the renewal your skin cells, so lower levels can lead to a type of acne. These spots are usually concentrated around the jawline

and and chin rather than in the T-zone, are often small, deep, tender cysts called microcystic acne. Because they are deeper, topical creams are less effective so you might want to see your doctor about oral medication.