Are there any tips for getting through this stage?

There are many things that you can do. Some women start to take hormone replacement therapy right away. Others prefer to try and get through by using natural remedies instead of drugs.

Recent findings in large-scale research studies suggest that HRT may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. In addition, when estrogen is prescribed alone, it may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Consult a physician before starting any medication regimen.

Are sleeping problems a common symptom of perimenopause?

Yes. Insomnia is a common complaint during perimenopause. Insomnia, in this case, can take the form of an inability to sleep through the night. Many women find themselves waking up in the middle of the night and have difficulty going back to sleep. A night sweat or at least a warm period, during which one wants to throw off the covers, sometimes precedes these awakenings. Waking up with a pounding heart or in a state of anxiety can also be a problem for some women. It is possible that these wakenings are due to the body's inability to maintain a consistent temperature due to hormone fluctuations. As hormone levels even out, this insomnia often becomes less of a problem.