I think that I am beginning the Peri-menopause. I am still menustrating, although irregularly, but I am having all of the symptoms, especially hot flushes and night-sweats. My question is, do the symptoms dip in and out? Or do they remain constant throughout? I feel as though I haven't slept for a week and I wonder if this is it, night after night, for the next few years.

The Peri-menopause and the menopause are not static states, and your hormone levels can fluctuate a lot.

This often gives rise to periods where your symptoms ease off for a while or get worse.

Other factors can change the symptoms as well, such as stress, a sudden shock, illness, changing your diet or lifestyle, taking new medications etc. 

Maybe have a look at the point where your symptoms started to get worse and see what was going on in your life and you may find a clue! 

In the meantime, you may find taking sage helpful for the flushes and sweats.

Some women find taking a magnesium supplement and vitamin B Complex helps as well, and anything you can do to support your body at this time such as a good varied diet, rest and relaxation, and sensible exercise will be of benefit.

Eileen Durward