• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness

Signs and symptoms, including changes in menstruation can vary among women. Most likely, you'll experience some irregularity in your periods before they end.

Skipping periods during perimenopause is common and expected. Often, menstrual periods will skip a month and return, or skip several months and then start monthly cycles again for a few months. Periods also tend to happen on shorter cycles, so they are closer together. Despite irregular periods, pregnancy is possible.

If you've skipped a period but aren't sure you've started the menopausal transition, consider a pregnancy test.

• Naturally declining reproductive hormones.
• Surgery that removes the ovaries (oophorectomy).
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Primary ovarian insufficiency.

VERY IMPORTANT:

• Dehydroepi androsterone (DHEA) (AI DHEA): DHEA increases memory function, reduces stress, and enhances sex drive.  Take as directed on label.
• Evening Primrose (EQ Primrose Oil): Acts as sedatives and diuretics. Good for hot flashes. Important for production of estrogen. Take as directed on label.
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and L. reuteri: Restores normal vaginal flora. Take 2.5 million cells of each daily.
• Multienzyme complex with hydrochloric acid (HCl) (NS Digestive Enzymes Plus 2 with each meal): To aid digestion. HCl production declines with age. Caution: Do not use HCl if you have a history of ulcers. Take as directed on label. Take with meals.
• Cohosh, Red Clover (for Estrogen Sensitive Cases), (NS Hormone Balance 2 caps 2-3 times daily OR NS Cohosh 2 Caps 2-3 times daily OR NS Red Clover 2 caps 2 to 3 times daily): Helps relieve hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
• Vitamin B complex, plus extra vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid),  and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and folic acid (EQ B Complex or AI B Complex): Vitamin B complex is for improved circulation and cellular function. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is a powerful antistress vitamin needed for adrenal function. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) minimizes water retention and eases symptoms. Folic acid helps to protect against heart disease. For vitamin B complex, take 100 mg of each major B vitamin (thiamine and riboflavin) 3 times daily. Amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary. Do not exceed 35 mg niacin, 100 mg vitamin B6, and 1,000 mcg folate daily. Use a sublingual form for best absorption. Or consider injections (under a doctor’s supervision). For vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), take 100 mg 3 times daily. For vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), take up to 50 mg daily. For folic acid, take as directed on label. Do not exceed 1,000 mcg daily.
• Vitamin E (EQ Initial E): Reduces hot flashes and many other symptoms. Take 90 mg (200 IU) daily or 180 mg (400 IU) every other day.

IMPORTANT:

• Boron (NS Bone Health): Enhances calcium absorption. 
• Calcium, and magnesium (NS Bone Health): To relieve nervousness and irritability, and to protect against bone loss. Use chelate forms. For calcium, take 1,000–2,000 mg daily. For magnesium, take up to 350 mg daily.
• Quercetin (Eq Quercetin OR NS Grape Seed Extract): An antioxidant flavonoid that may help with hot flashes. 
• Silica: (NS Bone Health (Horsetail)): Supplies silicon, needed for connective tissue and for calcium uptake. Take as directed on label.
• Vitamin D (NS Bone Health): Regulates calcium within the body. Calcium (1,000 mg) and vitamin D (10 mcg; 400 IU) may reduce mortality in postmenopausal women. Take 10–15 mcg (400–600 IU) daily.
•  Zinc, plus copper (EQ Zinc plus Copper): Zinc aids in protecting against bone loss and reducing symptoms. Copper is needed to balance with zinc. For zinc, take up to 40 mg daily. For copper, take 3 mg daily.
• Liver Support (NS Liver Support 2-6 capsules daily) :  Glandular to help strengthen liver function.  Important in the production and breakdown of hormones.

HELPFUL:

•  L-arginine, and L-lysine ( EQ L Lysine): Detoxifies the liver. Aids liver function. For L-arginine, take 500 mg twice daily. For L-lysine, take 500 mg daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption.
• Multiglandular complex (NS Endocrine and Pancreas) : For hormonal stability. 
• Multivitamin and mineral complex, with potassium, and selenium (NS Liquid Life, NS Colloidal Minerals Plus, First Essentials Women's Formula): All nutrients are needed for normal hormone production and function. Potassium is to replace potassium lost through perspiration during hot flashes. Potassium protects the nervous system and encourages a regular heart rhythm. Selenium is an important trace mineral linked to normal hormonal balance. For multivitamin and mineral complex, take as directed on label. Take with meals. For potassium, take 99 mg daily. For selenium, take 200 mcg daily.
• Vitamin C, plus mixed bioflavonoids (NS Liposomal Vitamin C): For hot flashes immune health and for heart health. For vitamin C, take up to 2,000 mg daily. 

• NS Black Cohosh
• NS Bone Health
• NS Colloidal Minerals Plus
• NS Digestive Enzymes Plus
• NS Endocrine & Pancreas
• NS Grape Seed Extract
• NS Hormone Balance
• NS Liposomal Vitamin C
• NS Liquid Life
• NS Liver Support
• NS Red Clover
• NS Valerian Root
• BL Menopause Rx
• AI DHEA
• AI B Complex
• BL ENDO Medix
  
• BL Female SRF plex
• EQ B Complex
• EQ Initial E
  
• EQ L Lysine
• EQ Menopause HP
• EQ Primrose Oil
• EQ Progesterone
• EQ Quercetin
• EQ Zinc Plus Copper
• EQ Cohoshcom II
• EQ Estrogen Phenolic
  
• FF First Fitness Multi Women's Formula

• Aim to eat at least 8 ounces of oily fish per week
• Yogurt
• Beans
• Soy
• Nuts
• Whole grains

 Sweet Calcium Shake:

Ingredients:

• 1 pint strawberries
• 6 oz silken tofu

Directions:

• Juice strawberries.
• Place juice and tofu in blender and food processor and blend until smooth.
• Garnish with strawberry.

Super-Eight Stress Reliever:

Ingredients:

• 1 kale leaf
• 1 collard leaf
• small handful parsley
• 1 stalk celery
• 1 carrot, greens removed
• 1/2 red pepper
• 1 tomato
• 1 broccoli floweret
• celery stalk for garnish

Directions:

• Bunch up leaves and parsley and push through hopper with celery and carrot.
• Follow with red pepper, tomato, and broccoli.
• Garnish with celery stalk.

Sweet Magnesium Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• 1 pint blackberries
• 1 ripe banana
• 2 oz silken tofu
• 1 tbsp brewer's yeast

Directions:

• Juice berries.
• Place juice, banana, tofu, and yeast in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
• Garnish with blackberries.
• Drink 1 hour before bedtime.

Popeye's Garden Tonic:

Ingredients:

• handful spinach
• 3 stalks celery
• 2 stalks asparagus
• 1 large tomato
• 1 cherry tomato for garnish

Directions:

• Bunch up spinach and push through hopper with celery.
• Juice asparagus and tomato.
• Mix juices in tall glass and garnish with cherry tomato.

Calcium-Rich Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 3 kale leaves
• small handful parsley
• 4-5 carrots, greens removed
• 1/2 apple, seeded

Directions:

• Bunch up kale and parsley and push through hopper with carrots and apple.

Spiced Orange Foam:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 inch sliced ginger root
• 2 large oranges, peeled (leave white pithy part)
• 1/2 apple, seeded
• orange twist for garnish

Directions:

• Push ginger through hopper with orange and apple.
• Serve with twist of orange.

Garden Tonic:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 head cabbage
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 stalk broccoli
• parsley sprig for garnish

Directions:

• Juice vegetables and garnish with sprig of parsley.

Orange Spice Tea:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 inch ginger root
• 1 orange, peeled (leave white pithy part)
• water
• cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:

• Push ginger and orange through hopper.
• Pour 2 oz of juice into teacup and fill with boiling water.
• Garnish with cinnamon stick. 

• Amethyst: for stress relief, insomnia, and mood swings.
• Citrine: for hot flashes, yin and yang balance, and chakra cleansing.
• Moonstone: for hormonal balance, emotional stability, and intuition.
• Garnet: for vitality, passion, and creativity.
• Ruby: for energy, confidence, and courage.
• Lepidolite: for cooling and balancing the body, and soothing anxiety.
• Chrysoprase: for relaxation, sleep, and restless legs.

• Black cohosh: an estrogenic herb that may reduce cramps, congestion and hot flashes
• Wild yam: a medicinal herb that may have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the risk of menopausal arthritis
• Chaste tree: an herb that may help to balance hormones and ward off depression
• Maca: a root vegetable that may improve mood, libido and energy
• Flax seeds: a source of phytoestrogens that may help with hot flashes and vaginal dryness
• Red clover: another source of phytoestrogens that may have cardiovascular benefits

• Sepia, for women with irregular periods, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and hair fall.
• Lachesis, for women with hot flashes and depression.
• Amylenum Nitrosum, for women with hot flashes and headache.
• Graphites, for women with obesity, night sweats, and skin problems.
• Sabina, for women with heavy bleeding during menopause.
• Ignatia, for women with depression during menopause.
• Calcarea Carb for women with osteoporosis.

Rife Frequency

In cases where the liver is a factor; Ionic Footbath Detoxification

• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, vitamins, minerals, and whole grains
• Staying hydrated and limiting alcohol and tobacco
• Getting enough sleep and avoiding triggers that worsen symptoms
• Managing stress and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, acupuncture, or yoga
• Focusing on the positive and taking time for yourself
• Strengthening your pelvic floor and exercising regularly

• Du 20 (or Governing Vessel 20): Located on the top of the head, midway between the ears. This point helps clear the spirit and rebalances the yin and yang elements of the body.

• Urinary Bladder 23 (UB 23): A lower back point that is level to the second lumbar vertebra. This point invigorates the kidney system and nourishes kidney essence. It is often used to strengthen the lumbar region and the knees.

• Kidney 3 (Ki 3): In the depression between the inside ankle bone and the Achilles tendon, level with the tip of the ankle bone. Kidney 3 invigorates and strengthens the kidney system and regulates the uterus.

• Kidney 6 (Ki 6): Located just under the inner (medial) ankle bone. This point is great at clearing (deficiency) heat. It also calms the spirit to help with insomnia and nightmares.

• Kidney 7 (Ki 7): Located approximately 2 fingers breadth above Kidney 3. It is used to treat hot flashes and night sweats.

• Heart 6 (HT 6): This point is particularly good for night sweats.

• Spleen 6 (Sp 6): Located about 4 fingers breadth above the tip of the inside ankle bone in a depression. This is one of the most influential points for women's health. It strengthens the spleen, resolves damp, promotes the smooth flow of Qi, strengthens the kidneys, nourishes blood and yin, benefits urination, regulates uterus and menstruation, moves and cools blood, relieves pain and calms the mind.

• Ren 6 (or Conception Vessel 6): This point is located about 2 inches below the belly button. It nourishes yin and balances yin and yang. Combined with SP 6 it treats palpitations.

• Clary Sage
• Peppermint
• Lavender
• Geranium
• Basil
• Citrus
• Thyme
• Clary Sage
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
• Peppermint
• Geranium
• Basil
• Ylang-ylang
• Orange
• Bergamot
• Holy Basil
• These oils can be used to manage emotional symptoms during menopause, and can be diffused, inhaled, or used in aromatherapy.