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Eating well, exercising and looking after your mental wellbeing can help with symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.
It can also help you keep as well as possible in the future.
get plenty of rest, including keeping to regular sleep routines
eat a healthy diet
have calcium-rich food like milk, yoghurt and kale to keep bones healthy
exercise regularly, try including weight-bearing activities where your feet and legs support your weight like walking, running or dancing
do relaxing things like yoga, tai chi or meditation
talk to other people going through the same thing, like family, friends or colleagues
talk to a doctor before taking herbal supplements or complementary medicines
do not smoke
do not drink more than the recommended alcohol limit
It's common to have mood swings, low mood and anxiety around the time of the menopause and perimenopause.
You can try to:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that can help with a low mood and feelings of anxiety. It can also help with sleep problems.
You can:
CBT can also help manage hot flushes.
There are vaginal moisturisers or lubricants you can get without a prescription at a pharmacy.
You can talk to a pharmacist in private if you'd like help to decide which moisturiser is right for you.
If you're having sex and using condoms, do not use oil-based lubricant as this can damage condoms. You can use a water-based lubricant.
There are other treatments for vaginal dryness that a doctor can prescribe, such as HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or hormonal treatment (creams, pessaries, gel or vaginal rings).
Find out about treatment for menopause.
You can try to:
Read more about preventing osteoporosis.
Taking HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
