Okay, so maybe the lyrics don’t go quite like that, but for women of a certain age, it’s the burning question—and not just because of hot flashes. Wondering what to look for when it comes to perimenopause? Here are some of the telltale signs:

Hot flashes. This hallmark of perimenopause—a sudden feeling of warmth, usually around the face, neck and chest—got its reputation for good reason, as up to three-quarters of perimenopausal women will get them at some point.

Irregular periods. As your body prepares to stop menstruating completely, your periods could become more erratic. They may become shorter, longer, heavier, lighter, closer together, farther apart, or just completely unpredictable.

Breast tenderness. About a third of women in the early stages of perimenopause will experience tender breasts, but it often subsides later on.

Mood swings. Feeling sad, irritable or just plain blah could be a sign that menopause is on the horizon.

Decreased sex drive. A lack of libido can have many different causes, but the hormonal changes your body goes through as it prepares for menopause can zap some of your desire, as can other symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and fatigue from lack of sleep.

Bladder issues. Needing to urinate more often, leaking when you cough or sneeze, and urinary incontinence (leaking randomly) are three of the ways your bladder control might change with perimenopause.

Every woman is different and might experience all or none of the above signs. If any symptoms are interfering with your well-being or you have questions about perimenopause, contact your Healthy Woman doctor.

Whether it’s a time of love or a time of hate, a time of war or a time of peace, a time you may embrace or a time to refrain from embracing, it’s a time that—turn, turn, turn—comes for every woman, in every season.

And when you’re careening into that oh-so fun period of time known as PMS, you can go from purple (“I’m sad.”), to pink (“Happy pink.”) to black (“Mad. And loud. I howl. I growl at every cloud.”) on a loop.

Thank you, hormones.

While some women suffer from extreme PMS (known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD) and should consult their Healthy Woman gynecologist to discuss the various treatments available, many can control PMS on their own.

Want to kick crabbiness to the curb, banish bloating, beat back pain and mellow out those mood swings?

Here are the top 12 ways to keep your many colored days a hue that works for you.

Table salt.

Ban bloat by cutting back (as in way back) on your sodium intake. Steer clear of canned, frozen, junk prepackaged and fast food (this advice applies to across the board—not just during your premenstrual time of the month) and don’t even think about adding salt to your meals. Salt causes water retention, which, in turn, causes everything from generalized bloat to swollen ankles to sore breasts.

Say sayonara to sugar.

Enemy, thy name is sugar. From obesity to depression to cancer, sugar is the culprit (again, this is advice that should be heeded in general). When it comes to squashing PMS, skip all processed sugar. Instead, when your mood and mojo begin to wane, bite into a piece of fruit paired with a protein (like raw nuts, a slice or two of turkey or Greek yogurt) for a mood-stabilizing, a serotonin-releasing snack that stave off a tidal wave of PMS symptoms.

Avoid alcohol.

And speaking of sugar, ditch the drinking (of adult beverages) to stop your blood sugar from spiking, along with the host of other things that alcohol wreaks on your mind and body—not to mention the bad nutrition decisions (and other decisions) you’re more inclined to make in its wake. In addition to mood instability, alcohol can also cause increased breast tenderness, bloating and fatigue.

Can caffeine.

Studies have shown that the effects of caffeine are magnified when a woman is premenstrual. So, if you want to feel more nervous and irritable, then Starbucks it up. If you don’t, then go for decaffeinated green or chai tea and, of course, eliminate soda.

Up your exercise.

When it comes to keeping PMS at bay, nothing does it better than exercise. Whatever it is that moves you (treadmill, hiking, swimming, running around the block), just do it!

Fill up.

Fresh fruit, vegetables and whole-grain fiber pack a powerful punch of the vitamins and minerals that every healthy woman needs to feel good (and look good while they’re at it). Plus, whole grains like brown rice and quinoa along with organic fruits and vegetables fill you up, thus staving off those food cravings that usually come complete with PMS.

Say goodnight.

Not getting enough sleep (that’s seven to eight hours) can intensify your symptoms of PMS. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine and sticking to a regular exercise routine will help you have a good night’s sleep and, in turn, keep your energy level, ability to concentrate and general feeling of well-being on high.

Stress less.

Though easier said than done, keeping stress to a minimum will control those surges of anxiety that often swell up with the onset of PMS. Avoid the situations and people who tend to push your buttons and instead opt for easier, breezier activities and company.

Water your world.

When you’re bloated, drinking water may seem counter-intuitive but it’s actually one of the best things you can do to purge your puffiness. Make drinking eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water a day part of your daily to-do.

Strike a pose.

There’s a reason why yoga has lasted the test of time (over 5,000 years): It works! Yoga poses are a panacea for everything from back pain to stress to lethargy, curing the PMS-weary body, mind and soul.

Feel like makin’ love.

Okay, you probably don’t but it can really help. Whether it’s mental or physical, many women report that intercourse actually helps ease their PMS symptoms—and some even claim that an orgasm can relieve cramps. Between the nurturing effects that the emotional connection between you and your partner has on your psyche, the release of endorphins and the always-needed time-out your mind gets, you just may want to say Y-E-S to S-E-X the next your PMS just isn’t OK.

Take your veta-vita-vegemins.

A vitamin or mineral deficiency can impact your overall health, including how (or if) your body responds to being premenstrual. In addition to popping a daily organic, whole-food based multi-vitamin, a probiotic, vitamin D and Omega 3 supplement, here are the top vitamins and supplements that studies have shown to ease the PMS pain: vitamin B6, which is instrumental in the body’s production of dopamine, a mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter, and has been shown to fight irritability, depression and even breast tenderness; calcium, which has been shown to improve PMS-sufferers’ mood and lessen bloating; and manganese, a mineral found in pineapple, pecans, walnuts, raspberries, pumpkin seeds, spinach and oats, that may reduce tension and depression.

Please be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new vitamin regimen.

And remember, we are your partners in good health. If you experiencing, the symptoms of mild, moderate or severe PMS, tell us. We can help you live your best life as a strong, happy and Healthy Woman!