The average age for a woman to cease having her menstrual cycle is 51; however, perimenopause can begin in the late 30s.  Common symptoms include: insomnia, palpitations, hot flashes/night sweats, constipation, low libido, vaginal dryness, urinary infections/incontinence, irregular bleeding, hair loss, depression, anxiety, mood swings, forgetfulness and weight gain.

Natural healthcare tips:
•  Ensure your vegetables, salad foods, fruit and meats are as organic as possible.

•  Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.

•  Limit the intake of red meat, processed foods, salt and alcohol.

•  The Society of Homeopaths gives you access to qualified homeopaths who can alleviate symptoms.

•  Tea and coffee should be replaced by caffeine-free drinks.

•  Include soya based foods such as tofu, pulses, beansprouts, yams, most fruit and veg,  miso, tempeh, soya milk, celery, rhubarb, almonds and linseeds as these are sources of phytoestrogen (a natural oestrogen).

•  Keep up your calcium intake so that your bones remain strong as weakening is more likely because of reduced oestrogen levels.   Choose semi-skimmed or skimmed milk. Other good calcium sources: almonds, seeds (poppy, sesame), cheeses (parmesan,  gruyère and Edam), oily fish (tinned sardines, etc), tofu, seaweed, figs, yoghurt, Brazil nuts and leafy vegetables (kale, purple broccoli).

•  To keep your blood sugar levels balanced and avoid fatigue, have 5 small sittings of food a day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack.  Ensure you have protein and complex carbs with each sitting.

•  If necessary use a good multi-vitamin for women such as BioCare FemForte to act as a food supplement.

As well as looking after yourself physically, this is a fantastic time to make positive changes elsewhere in your life, as you are more open to fresh opportunities than at any other time.

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