Alcohol depletes the body's B-complex vitamins , disrupts the liver's ability to metabolize hormones and can worsen hot flashes, says Dr. Lark. If you can't cut out cocktails altogether, she suggests limiting yourself to one or two drinks a week. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is full of important vitamins and minerals, says Dr. Lark. And because they're low in fat and high in fiber , eating more fruits and vegetables can help prevent weight gain, a common problem for women of menopausal age, according to Dr. Lark.
Many women approach menopause expecting menstrual flow to taper off and finally stop.
But for a good percentage, periods during perimenopause are heavier than ever. Besides the inconvenience perimenopausal bleeding is often so irregular that women have to be prepared anytime, anywhere frequent heavy bleeding can seriously endanger a woman s iron stores, says Dr. Lark. Heavy bleeding can be treated effectively with nutrients, says Dr. Lark. Some studies have shown that besides replenishing the iron lost through bleeding, a daily iron supplement may actually reduce the amount that a woman will bleed during future periods, she says. Women with heavy bleeding also benefit from loading up on vitamin C and bioflavonoids , she says.