Q: My 47 years old cousin is having irregular periods for the last one year. Her periods tend to stop every 3-4 months and then start again. Three months back she had heavy bleeding, which continued for 6-7 days. Then again after 10-15 days she had bleeding which continued for another 4-5 days. She also had lower abdomen pain. Last month again she had periods before the due date. Is it menopause? Does she need treatment?

A:It is approaching menopause, and your cousin will need to have regular Pap smears, sonography and blood testing. You need to see if there are any other problems related to menopause, all of which can be treated well if necessary. Hormone replacements are available, and also alternative herbal treatments to smoothen out any deteriorating lifestyle.