I have symptoms of the menopause which include irritability, painful knee joints, regular bloating with the signs of having a period i.e cramps and backache. I used to know exactly when I would be having my period however this has now gone out of the window, my periods are now irregular. What remedies do you suggest that would be good for me?

If your periods are irregular then you are well on your way through the menopause, so hang on in there. There are remedies and strategies for all the symptoms, so I'll line up the ones for the symptoms you've outlined, and if you have any others as you move through the process then just let me know.

1. Irritability is often eased by taking magnesium, which calms the nervous system. It also reduces muscle tension and cramping, and lessens the sensation of pain. It's a great mineral! It is only found in healthy food and is used up by the adrenal glands when you're stressed, so it's easy to get a bit low in it. Caffeine and refined sugar and alcohol all strip it from the body, so try to minimise these and focus on having plenty of water, which is good for your adrenals and also your kidneys. Try Salus Haus liquid magnesium, as this is the fastest acting magnesium. Take 1 capful twice daily to start with and then, when you feel better, put it down to 1 capful daily.

2. Take some Devil's Claw tincture to reduce the painful joints. Together with magnesium this ought to make you a lot more comfortable. It works quite fast because it's a tincture - you should notice improvements within a week or so.

3. Take a course of Molkosan Vitality to quell the bloating and ensure that you are not rushing your food. Chewing really thoroughly is a big help, even though it may be frustrating at first if you are used to rushing around at high speed!

4. Cramps - more water, and magnesium should put paid to these.

5. Backache - more water! The kidneys ache if you are dehydrated, and this is often the cause of backache. Just simply having more water and less caffeine will really help.