Menopause 
Perimenopause, the stage before menopause, can come with a variety of different symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and more. Read on to learn about the ways to alleviate these symptoms.
Stay Healthy
Staying healthy will help you through the perimenopause phase better than you would imagine. Make sure you drink the recommended eight cups of water a day and exercise for 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Reduce consumption of menopause symptom triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes.
Take Time for Yourself
This is important to relax and de-stress, as many symptoms are triggered by high levels of stress hormones. Lay around on a Saturday morning reading, or stay up late watching movies and eating popcorn. Whatever it is that relaxes you, do it.
Talk to Your Friends
Your friends are going through the same thing as you. Vent, complain, laugh, and listen to your friends talk about what it is really like to be going through menopause. A strong support group can help you tackle menopause with more ease and comfort.
Talk to Your Doctor
They will be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to treating your perimenopausal symptoms. There are many different options, and your doctor will be able to help you decide whats better for you depending on your medical history.
When you go in to talk to your doctor, it can be helpful to be informed about your possibilities, but it's even more important to keep an open mind for their suggestions.
Sources
- BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.
- Hopkins, Virginia. Lee, John R. M.D. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. New York: Warner Books Inc., 1996.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Martin, Raquel. The Estrogen Alternative. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2000.
