If you would have told me when I was 16 or 18 I would dread the day when I started going through menopause I would have said you’re crazy! I remember dreading the fact I would be going through this once a month for much of my life when I started my periods. In fact I’ve always hated “that time of the month.”

Now I’m in my mid 40′s and I have a different perspective on the whole thing. I’m starting to go through peri-menopause and it’s wreaking havoc on my whole being. Many have hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, or skin and hair changes. For me it’s been more about my nervous system. I’ve started having heart palpitations, and moments when I’m crazy worried about nothing at all (not hard to do in today’s world), I’ve also noticed I’m moodier and cry more often over minor things.

My periods have always happened monthly like clock work, but I’ve noticed lately my cycle is getting a little longer. I’m also more forgetful during certain times of the month.

I’m not going to take this lying down though. I’ve really been working on my overall diet for about the last year, and I probably eat healthier now than I ever have in my life. Incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables and watching my starches and grains.

I’ve also added regular exercise into my routine EVERY DAY. I’ve made it my priority in life to move for at least 20 minutes a day. I usually do more than that (30 minutes to 1 hour), but 20 minutes is my minimum. My favorite form of exercise is to walk, but I try to mix it up a little. I run a couple times a week (I’m up to about 2 miles), take a resistance training class, do some Yoga, and lift weights. I’m starting a Zumba class this week and I’m super excited to give it a try.

Meditation has helped my nervous system. I try to spend 10 to 15 minutes a day quieting my mind and my nervous system and it has done wonders! I used to scoff at people meditating, but there is definitely something beneficial to calming your brain even for a few minutes a day. I usually do it right before bed time. It helps me relax my body, and get ready for sleep at night. Even sitting quietly and just breathing in and out, being aware of my breath helps calm me down when I’m having extra anxiety.

I would like to go through this whole process as naturally as possible, but I know I’ll need a little help to get through the worst of the hormone fluctuations. That’s why I was excited to participate in the Estroven blog tour.

Estroven addresses many of the symptoms of menopause in a natural way. They’ve combined black cohosh and soy isoflavones with nutrients like calcium, folic acid, and essential vitamins. I like choices, and Estroven comes in a variety of formulas, including a Maximum Strength formula for those really tough spots. There’s even a formula for increased energy during the day and better sleep patterns at night. I’m doing better with the sleep, but for a while I was having difficulty shutting my brain down at night. It’s good to know there are options out there.

You can find more information on Estroven, and on the symptoms of menopause at Estroven.com.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Estroven and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”