St John's wort can also improve low sex drive, which often accompanies the menopause. After three months of taking supplements, 60 per cent of women with a low libido became interested in sex again. Eighty-two per cent also suffered less irritability, anxiety, low mood, hot flushes, sweating and disturbed sleep. If low libido is causing problems within your relationship, talk to your doctor,’ suggests Dr Brewer. Dr Currie advises women who are approaching menopause to learn as much as possible about the hormonal changes involved, as well as what impact they may have and what diet and lifestyle changes can help. "They should see it as a time to invest time in themselves and really look at exercise, relaxation or whatever they enjoy." I only take Femoston, a good multivitamin and B complex. I was offered testosterone for the fatigue but decided to wait and see how things go.

Taking isoflavone supplements can reduce the frequency of hot flushes and their severity within 6 to 12 weeks. 2 Overall, the results of 19 randomised controlled trials found that isoflavone extracts significantly reduced hot flushes by 39 per cent compared with placebo. 3 Some GLA is also converted into hormone-like substances known as series 1 prostaglandins, which relax blood vessels to improve blood flow to the skin, decrease inflammation to reduce redness, and improve nerve function to reduce itching and discomfort. Sage leaf extracts contain several antioxidant polyphenols and essential oils which, together, have astringent and perspiration-inhibiting properties. It is traditionally used to relieve menopausal hot flushes and night sweats, although whether its actions are due to the presence of plant oestrogens, or an ability to stimulate natural oestrogen production, remains unclear. A new attitude to this stage of life can help us embrace it and feel positive about it,’ says Charlotte.If menopausal symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can significantly reduce symptoms. As if us women don’t already have enough to deal with, the menopause sadly cannot be avoided and is a natural part of ageing, supposedly occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.

Oestrogen supresses this enzyme but as the levels of this hormone fall due to the menopause, the effects of this enzyme increase’. In addition, overall, the women in this trial who were treated with Menoforce® were in a more relaxed and focused state of mind’. There are a number of reasons that women experience irregular periods, one of these being stress. Many of life's demands, such as work, relationships and money, can cause stress and people have different ways of reacting to these situations. One thing that is out of our control, however, is how our body reacts to these stressors. When we are stressed the adrenal glands secrete a hormone known as cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol in the body can have a direct impact on oestrogen and progesterone production, which can in turn result in irregular periods. By looking after yourself before and after the menopause, taking a good quality multivitamin that has all you need and is formulated for women in fifties is a good option so you can help ensure this time of life is rich and enjoyable,’ says Dr Sarah Brewer.

There is a delicate balance of hormones within a woman's body. As your hormones change during perimenopause, the balance of chemicals within the body changes, which triggers certain responses in the brain as the body naturally adjusts. This can bring on physical as well as emotional symptoms, which vary in nature depending on your particular chemical makeup. Eating less and doing more will reduce the risk of gaining weight in your forties and beyond but you should also ensure your diet features an abundance of fruit and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. In addition, oestrogen-containing vaginal treatments which reduce dryness are available on prescription – ask your GP, menopause nurse or a BMS-accredited menopause specialist for more information Odabasi, E., Turan, M., Aydin, A., Akay, C., & Kutlu, M. (2008). Magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Can magnesium play a key role in osteoporosis? Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 37(7), 564–567.