Perimenopause is a transitional gateway to a better you – its transformational and can be a time of deepened knowledge and wisdom about the way in which our bodies work best. A new sense of self is the result of completing this transition but appreciate that self-care is non-negotiable during the onset (or ideally beforehand) of perimenopause.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the lifestyle tweak you could make for optimising health and well-being during this time:

- Prioritise sleep and note any changes to energy and/or dietary patterns

- Avoid caffeine for 2 weeks and document how you feel, particularly in relation to energy and anxiety levels

- Avoid sugar and starch for 2 weeks and document how you feel in relation to energy and mood as well as cravings

- Avoid alcohol for 2 weeks and document how you feel and if symptom patterns change

- Introduce and make time for mindfulness/meditation through journaling, prayer, yoga etc

- Walk in nature at least 3 times per week and note how your mindset, motivation and general health feel as a result

- Support gut health with prebiotic fibres found in veggies and legumes and take a probiotic supplement. Note how your bowel movements, energy and skin may react to this introduction

Avoid the perimenopause panic! Getting the basics right at this time will be the foundation for preparing your body systems for change. Record how you feel before, during and after the suggested lifestyle plan to balance hormones. Reflect on this and listen to your body. It may take a month or two to feel the full impact of the changes I have suggested but if you can continue this as a lifestyle practice, this will set you up for a positive new sense of self through the menopause transition.