menopause

[debbsh]

I'm 52 years old and have only had 4 periods in the last year, the last one 3 months ago. I get hot flushes, particularly at night, but when I wake up during the night or first thing in the morning, I feel really hot, nauseous and have a tight chest and find breathing a bit difficult. Is this normal for menopause? I'm fine the rest of the time!

[Mr. Hugh Byrne, MRCOG]

Alas, yes, it is I am afraid. If it is bothering you, perhaps ask your GP for a chat about HRT. The other option is to suffer it out as it will settle with time, but its a good excuse to have a general health screen around this time of life.