Wondering

Dear Ask The Doctor: My last period was the end of june I haave not been with a man but I am 40 could I be going through menopause this early?

Dear Tina:

I understand your concern about Menopause. Let me reassure you that Menopause is diagnosed after the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period.

Your late menses could be caused by different factor such as diet, exercises, stress, weight change and others that caused a temporary hormonal imbalance. Certainly the best way to rule out the exact cause is by consulting your gynecologist for a more detailed exam and evaluation of your hormone levels.