I think I am beginning to become peri-menopausal. I am still menstruating (although irregularly) but I'm having all the symptoms, especially hot flushes and night sweats. My question is:- do the symptoms 'dip in and out'? or remain constant throughout? I feel like I haven't slept for a week and wonder if this is it, night after night, for the next I don't know how many years.......

The peri-menopause and menopause are not static states and your hormone levels can fluctuate a lot and 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 so 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.