From writing diaries to meditating, we test three ways to tackle the menopause

OCTOBER is Menopause Awareness Month, and World Menopause Day is on Wednesday.

It is estimated there are around 13million people who are currently peri- or menopausal in the UK.

And with that comes around 30 recognised symptoms women have to deal with.

Today Jane Atkinson looks at ways to tackle some of them. 

LOG IT

IF you want to go “old school” it can be lovely to jot things down on paper.

The Menopause Journal is just that – a diary for tracking your symptoms and how you are feeling over 90 days.

You include the effects of eating, exercise or a drink.

And then after three months you can work out what triggers certain symptoms.

The book was put together by nutritionist Aimee Benbow and GP Dr Siobhan Brennan.

They have used their expertise to share dietary and lifestyle tips.

There are also fitness ideas and exercises from a fitness coach.

This is a great way to log perimenopause and menopause so you can make a choice about how to treat your symptoms appropriately.

£20, .

POP A PILL

THE world of supplements can be baffling as you try to work out what you need for each symptom.

Online shop Health & Her has carried out research with thousands of women to create a blend of vitamins, minerals and active botanicals that tackle their main concerns.

Those include menopause and perimenopause as well as things such as getting a good night’s sleep.

The firm sells a brilliant product that focuses on mind health.

Health & Her Perimenopause MIND+ Food Supplement contains vitamins B6 and C, which are great for psychological function, plus magnesium, which helps the nervous system to function normally.

Red clover is added because it contains isoflavones and phytoestrogens that can help to raise, and are similar to, the hormone oestrogen.

£17.99 for a 30-day supply, .

MEDITATE

MEDITATION involves physical and mental relaxation, so it is a brilliant way to ease the stressful times of perimenopause and menopause.

There are lots of apps out there for meditation, but there is one – Shoorah, launched this year by reality TV’s Ferne McCann and a team of experts – which I now use daily. I am surprised at how great it is.

There are lots of apps out there for meditation, but there is one – Shoorah, launched this year by reality TV’s Ferne McCann and a team of experts – which I now use daily.

I am surprised at how great it is.

There is a huge variety of meditations and they have really helped me to nod off at night.

But it is an all-round wellbeing app, with functions and features that have been proven to improve mental health, plus a 24-hour chat function for guidance.

It also features Jade Goody’s former partner Jeff Brazier, who talks on grief and bereavement.

A brilliant app, and they offer a free three-day trial.

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