ASK THE DOC: Our popular Highland column discusses the menopause

Q. My mum has started experiencing hot flushes, I think she might be going through the menopause. Where can she learn more about what this means for her?

A. Menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. In the UK the average age of menopause is 51.

Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex, difficulty sleeping, low mood or anxiety, reduced sex drive (libido), problems with memory and concentration.

Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop and last around four years after your last period, although some women experience them for longer.

It’s worth talking to your GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age.

Your GP can usually confirm whether you are menopausal based on your symptoms, but a blood test to measure your hormone levels may be carried out if you’re aged 40 to 45.

Blood tests may also be carried out to help diagnose suspected premature menopause if you’re under 40 and have menopausal symptoms. Visit www.nhsinform.scot and search for “menopause” for more information.

Q. My daughter is 14 and I am worried as she hasn’t started her period. When is the right time for periods to start?

A. Girls have their first period during puberty – 11 is the average age for puberty to start in girls.

A girl’s monthly periods usually begin at around the age of 12, although some girls will start them later. A delay in starting periods isn’t usually a cause for concern. Most girls will have regular periods from age 16 to 18.

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