I am still having a monthly period but I'm suffering from menopausal symptoms. The overwhelming one, is the feeling of bloatedness every month alongside aching joints, general lethargy, tiredness, and low mood.

These are all symptoms of low oestrogen, although it isn't yet low enough to stop your periods.

You can support your oestrogen levels with Menopause Support, which also gives you a touch of magnesium, which is very good for muscle tension and pain.

You can also look at Devils Claw for reducing the joint pain further - it works better the longer you take it, but if you take the tincture form (liquid) it usually starts to show some effects within the first week or so. 

For the bloating, make sure you sit down to every meal, don't rush around whilst or immediately after eating, and chew each mouthful thoroughly - this is quite hard to do, surprisingly, but makes a big difference.

Also, don't drink anything for 20 minutes before or after food, as this tends to encourage bloating.

You may find that temporarily you have to avoid caffeine to reduce the bloating, and you may also find it helpful to have fruit only first thing in the morning, at least 20 minutes before the rest of your breakfast - this helps the symptoms, and once they have gone you can gradually reintroduce fruit at other times.

Eileen Durward