Whether your doctor has already confirmed that you're going through menopause or you suspect you're in the stages of peri-menopause, the fact remains that you're probably feeling at least a little bit overwhelmed right now. You may be experiencing uncharacteristic mood swings, hot flashes, and even a declining libido. Before you throw in the towel and let menopause rule your life, however, there are a few tips you can try to get through this time in your life without sacrificing your sanity in the process.

Take Steps to Control Stress

Stress can further agitate the effects of menopause, so it's important that you take steps to keep your stress in check. This might seem easier said than done, but it's important that this be a top priority. Whether it means not accepting work-related phone calls/e-mails after a certain time, engaging in some deep-breathing exercises, or even trying meditation, you'll want to find something that helps you feel more relaxed.

Re-Assess Your Diet

Did you know that your diet can have a major impact on your menopausal symptoms? Specifically, it's your body's hormone production that is the most affected by your diet. For example, many women going through menopause find that they have "triggers" that bring on the worst of their symptoms. These triggers can range from spicy foods and sugary foods to caffeine and even alcohol. Keep a food journal to figure out what your triggers are and take the steps necessary to remove them from your diet.

Get More Exercise

On top of being just plain good for you, exercise can also help to ease many of the symptoms of menopause. In fact, aerobic exercise in particular can help to relieve your symptoms while having the added benefit of boosting metabolism (and many women experience reduced metabolism during menopause). Of course, non-aerobic forms of exercise can also be beneficial, so just do whatever you enjoy.

Start Taking Vitamins

Finally, even if you've been taking a multivitamin for the last several years, menopause is a good time to see your doctor and determine which vitamins you're not getting enough of. From there, you may want to consider getting off your multivitamin and focusing on upping your intake of the specific vitamins and nutrients your body is missing on its own. Doing so can help to control your menopause symptoms while also boosting your immune system, making it a win-win for you.