Possibly stupid menopause question

[garlictwist]

I'm 39 and for the last year I have a few nights where I've woken up drenched in sweat for no discernible reason. Could this be the start of the menopause or I am just hot?

I'm on the pill. Maybe a stupid question but how do you know you're menopausal if you take the pill as surely the hormones will prevent it/mask it? And, if that's the case, why doesn't everyone who is able to just take the pill forever to stop all the hassle?

The pill wouldn’t stop you having the menopause, but it can reduce and slow the symptoms.

It could be the start of peri-menopause - if you get more symptoms I would ask you GP for a blood test.

Yep go get a blood test. I wasn't on the pill and started with scatty periods and night sweats

I was wondering this myself, as I am a lot closer to the menopause than you.

I don’t have periods due to being on the pill so how would I know? I am assuming that some symptoms are severe but not always.

When do I stop the pill? I am sure I can’t get pregnant now (nearly 50!)