didn’t prepare me. That’s when I knew, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve got to use my platform. I have to use all of who I am, and I have to start making a change and a difference for other women.”
Berry ended the conversation asking the audience to “help us change the way culture views women at this stage of our life.”
How is perimenopause treated?
Perimenopause does not need to be treated unless symptoms are bothersome. Treatments may include:
- Hormone therapy using estrogen or estrogen and progestins to level out hormone levels
- Antidepressants to stabilize moods
Your healthcare provider may suggest other lifestyle changes:
- Eat a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
- Get at least 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium each day through your diet or supplements.
- Exercise regularly.
- Find what triggers your hot flashes (for example, alcohol, coffee or tea) by keeping a record.
- Discuss the use of other treatments in relieving symptoms with your healthcare provider.
You may hear about herbal supplements that claim to help manage hot flashes. It’s important to remember that the FDA does not regulate these supplements. They are not tested like traditional medicines to prove their effectiveness and safety.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements.