Menopause is not sexy and many people don’t like to talk about it. You may have immediately thought, “Oh this story isn’t for me.” But here’s the thing – 58% of my followers on social media are 45 years old and up. So, it seems, that what I want to share with you about my menopause journey is relevant and hopefully helpful. Menopausal symptoms can begin as early as 10 years before women stop menstruating, and post-menopause symptoms can last well beyond the last period. So we are talking about 15-plus years of potential discomfort or inconvenience. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite products that have helped me in this journey. If you’re a guy and have a woman in your life that needs help please stick with me and educate yourself – she’s not making it up.
First, I want to encourage you to partner with your healthcare practitioner about your menopausal symptoms. You don’t have to suffer in silence. There is an entire movement, thankfully, focusing on bringing women together to build a community of support. Menopausal women often turn to doctors who know little about the symptoms (read here). If you can’t talk candidly with your healthcare partner, then find someone you can talk to. After I knew I wasn’t going to have any more children I intentionally moved my wellness care to a female practice. I look forward to seeing my nurse practitioner Hilary for my annual visit because she listens to my concerns and gives me thoughtful medical advice on things to try.
Vaginal dryness. This is a bummer and if you don’t suffer from it I applaud your magical body. Lower estrogen levels that occur during menopause change the vagina on a cellular level. Less estrogen means less blood flow; transforming the typical lush, elastic vaginal tissue into something thinner, more delicate, and less lubricated. In fact, this occurs to some degree in other instances too; during lactation, while taking birth control pills and other medications, as well as in smokers.
Hilary recommended Revaree a hormone-free vaginal suppository that renews your body’s moisture for everyday comfort and intimacy. What I like about it is the primary ingredient is Hyaluronic acid (HA) which hydrates and renews the vaginal tissue. Found naturally throughout the body, each molecule of hyaluronic acid attracts and retains up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture, healing thinning and damaged skin and keeping you comfortable. Visit their website here to take a quiz to customize your menopause relief care and use my referral code here for $15 off your first order.
Hot Flashes – this was my second nemesis (the first being years of migraines the few days leading up to my period). The hot flashes began about six months before my period stopped at the age of 55. I called them “personal summers.” No one knew I was hot, but I was so uncomfortable even in the winter. I especially struggled at night waking up in full-on drenched sweats. I tried, with success Amberen. One of the top-selling menopause supplements on the market, Amberen relieves up to twelve menopause symptoms in just one product. You take two tablets daily. If you sign up for their emails you will receive a $6 off coupon here. I know Bonfide, the company that makes Revaree, also carries products for hot flashes called Relizen.
Sweaty Areas – Okay I have to give my friend Cassie a shout-out on this product – Bust Dust from Megababe. Think you have to live with sweat stains on your top? Think again! Their talc-free powder absorbs sweat in an instant, helping to keep your bra & top dry. The non-aerosol pump deposits powder directly where you want it for a no-mess application. Skin-soothing aloe & chamomile combine with lavender for a light, natural scent.
Smelly Areas – You sweat, you smell. Let’s just leave it there. I really like these personal wipes from Honey Pot sold at Target. With almost two thousand 5-star reviews, their feminine hygiene wipes for sensitive skin boost moisture levels and help maintain vaginal pH range leaving no residue – just cool comfort. I keep them in a brass cricket box on the back of my toilet with my Revaree suppositories.
I also like the Honey Pot sensitive feminine foaming wash because regular soap irritates my hoo-chee. The wash is plant-derived to reduce odor and cleanse while hydrating your vulva and balancing your pH for long-lasting freshness. I use it as part of my shower routine. Check out the Honey Pot line at Target for their vast product line including pads and tampons, incontinence care, vaginal probiotics, lubricant, anti-itch creams, soothing vulva creams, and panty sprays.
There are so many other menopausal symptoms like low libido, painful intercourse, brain fog, and sleep disturbance. I’ve tried to highlight just a few here. Please know that is just my opinion and consult with your healthcare partner before trying anything new or ceasing your current treatment plan. Helpful resources include the US Dept of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and their fact sheet on menopause here. I’ve always been a fan of Dr. Christiane Northrup’s wisdom on menopause which includes her book The Wisdom of Menopause.
I hope what I’ve shared with you is helpful. Let me know in the comments what you think. Stay well.
Home with a Twist is a participant in the Amazon and Reward Style affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees, at no cost to you, by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We only recommend products we love or think they are informative and helpful.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
Well done, my friend! Thank you