Q: I am 48 years old and a recent blood test confirmed that I am in menopause. The test was done as I did not respond to a course of five Duphaston 10mg tablets. However, I still experience breast soreness associated with pre-menstrual tension. Is this common for menopausal women? I would also like to know if it is advisable to start taking plant-based oestrogen tablets to delay the ageing process?

A: It is not uncommon to have some symptoms of premenstrual tension even as blood tests confirm that the ovarian function has ceased.

The breast has hormone-sensitive receptors that make it susceptible to circulating hormonal changes and this will cause you to experience soreness.

Plant-based phyto oestrogens may relieve some menopausal symptoms and are prescribed to those who do not want to take hormone replacement therapy. They do not stop the ageing process. -Dr. Denas Chandra