SEE ALSO OUR ASK THE EXPERT PAGE FOR THIS MONTHS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 

How long is it likely to go on for?

There is no easy answer to this question, unfortunately. The average age for completion of the menopause is 52. Most women experience some irregularities with their cycles and the side effects associated with these hormonal changes for 2-5 yrs around this time and this is called the perimenopausal period.

However don't despair as there are good treatments available to control most of the symptoms experienced during this time

How can I tell when it has started?