Okay, I’ll admit, I have been taking my own advice and putting my symptoms into a journal.
I made up the notebook system, where I recorded my exercise for the day, my food intake, and my balance issues. I’ve done this for a year now, and even though it took a bit of will power to constantly make these entries, it was also therapeutic too.

This is why it has helped me, to see that the first week of the month, I get my crazy stuff happening.
My eyes may get a little wacked out, like those people with the lazy eye, where they move any which way with out reason. Then I feel a little spacey, so I wouldn’t recommend coffee intake this week, but I’d increase my exercising by 5 or ten minutes, more if I feel like it.

Then I tell myself, I am ready for the week of havoc and “let the games begin”. And now I know like counting the 28 days of till the next period and the discomforts, I can manage my menopause symptoms easier. If I have to tell my family – sorry about my spaceyness or if they notice I tell them it’s a menopause week and then we are all on the same page.

Life goes back to normal after the first week of the month. So, know that you are not alone, maybe plan around your few days of havoc accordingly so you can resume your normal life. Reading helps too, maybe load up on magazines like www.familycircle.com/help or www.health.comor www.goodhousekeeping.com or another favorite of mine is www.oprah.comThese magazines are staples to me, I curl up and watch a video, or drag out these magazines for some really great stories and upbeat advice. Years ago, when all this started in my life, an article in www.oprah.com really helped me tremendously. It was several years ago, and it was titled “Face your fear and do it anyways” or something like that. It was just what I needed. I was starting to really hate driving, as I was getting clumsy as Menopause was causing havoc. I faced my fear, put on my favorite tunes, which at that time was Celine Dion and drove at my normal pace on the right side of the road and faced my fears.

You can do it too, eat chocolate if you have to to relax or get some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. After doing their tour in VT several years, ago, their ice cream is one of my favorites. Breyers and Hood’s and your favorite store brand will probably do the trick too. I guess indulge sometimes when you need it most. But beware, these things may cause havoc for your menopause week. Maybe indulge the week after the menopause days or week.

I still like to read the Dr. Lee books that I have mentioned in the past, to help me get a grip on havoc if it gets wacky.

My advice is just beware of when it will be wacky and make sure you get some serious “me time”, like watch your favorite dvd’s or video tapes over and over again or three in afternoon. Relaxing is the key to feeling better fast.

Go on with your life, it’s a wonderful time for you!