HRT— WHY, WHEN, HOW?

? How do I know if I’m getting near my menopause?

The most common sign is irregular bleeding – a light period followed by a couple of heavy ones that go on for much longer than usual. You might also notice that you break out in embarrassing hot flushes for no apparent reason. Uncharacteristic moodiness is also quite common, and so are sleeplessness and difficulties with memory or concentration.

? I had an early puberty at the age of eleven. Will this affect the age at which I go through menopause?

No. The average age of menopause – forty-eight to fifty-three for most Australian women – has changed little over the centuries, while girls now begin their periods at an earlier age than they once did.

? My periods have stopped after several months of irregularity. How long should I wait before having sex without contraception?

You should use a barrier method of contraception such as condoms or a diaphragm until you have not had a period for a year. You can then throw away your contraceptives.

*107\38\8*