My mum is only 47 but she thinks she might be going through menopause.

I think she is too young – is this normal at her age?

• The menopause occurs in women at an average age of about 50, but the usual range is from 47 to 52.

Occurrences outside this range are quite common and sometimes can be delayed to 55 or later, and even sometimes occur at 40 or earlier. At your mother’s age it is quite normal for the menopause to occur.

The main effect of the menopause is a greatly reduced production of the hormone oestrogen. Some menopausal women suffer psychologically from the awareness that they have come to the end of reproductive life and the menopause is often viewed as a significant stage in the ageing process.

In some cases, apart from periods becoming irregular and stopping altogether, women have no other symptoms. Others can experience troublesome symptoms including hot flushes and sweats, particularly at night.

For more these are self-limiting but if they cause problems your family doctor can help.

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• Dr George Crooks was a GP for 22 years and is now the medical director of NHS24 and NHS24.com
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