From top to toe, show your body the love & care it deserves during the menopause
This article is sponsored by Lovehoney, Nioxin, Pantene, Tena, Hanx, Neo G & Gina
It’s time we break the taboo on what we don’t speak about enough. Going through the menopause is an ode to our bodies and what they have gone through during our lifetime. It’s something to be celebrated and recognised as you make the transition into the next phase of your life.
And you’re not alone on your journey. Whether you’re just starting to experience signs and symptoms, you want to find a product that works for you, or you know someone who is going through the menopause, we’re here to provide support and to help you feel confident.
From common to not-so common symptoms, here’s what can happen as you reach the menopause, and our selection of products to help accommodate these changes.
1. Thinner looking hair
The natural hair growth cycle is affected by our hormones, and as we reach the menopause, our oestrogen levels gradually drop which can result in loss of volume and length in our hair. So whether you want to embrace a new style or preserve your glossy locks, there are a selection of hair treatments out there to try and find what works for you.
Try: NIOXIN Sandalore Anti-Hairloss Treatment, (£48)
• 70ml
• Dermatologically tested
Everyone deserves to have a good hair day every day, so if you’re starting to notice your hair is gradually looking thinner, why not try the dermatologically tested Anti-Hair Loss Serum? Promising to leave hair looking fuller, he leave-on treatment is clinically proven to thicken hair from the first use*, thanks to its improved anchorage of the roots and scalp.'
* To verify please contact: infowellauk@wella.com
2. Vaginal dryness & discomfort
During and post-menopause, our vaginal tissue can become dry and fragile (thank you hormones), which means some women can experience discomfort or pain during intercourse. However, this doesn’t mean sex is off the table for good. All this means is that we need to take a little extra care when we’re getting it on to help reduce any friction or soreness – enter water-based, natural lubricants.
Try: Lovehoney Delight Silk Lubricant (£12.99)
• 250ml
• Vegan
• Latex condom friendly
Want to embrace your sexual wellness while combatting vaginal dryness? Meet the perfect partner for silky-smooth sensations. Suitable for use on the most intimate areas, the water-based formula can help relieve discomfort during sex caused by vaginal dryness, making it ideal for solo or intimate play – it’s a real delight to have in your bedside drawer.
Try: Hanx Vegan Lubricant, (£14.99)
• 50ml
• Fragrance-free
• Free from glycerin
• Recyclable packaging
• Latex & toy safe
Ideal for both pre and post-menopausal women, the gentle formula of HANX lubricant eases vaginal dryness and discomfort associated with the menopause. The water-based, natural formula is pH balanced to the vagina to help prevent unwanted irritation. Plus, with a long-lasting lubricating effect, get the most out of your personal pleasure.
Consider: Gina Vaginal Tablets (£29.99**)
• The only product effective at treating the cause of vaginal dryness after the menopause without prescription
• Contains 10 micrograms of estradiol (a form of oestrogen)
• 24 vaginal tablets in pre-loaded applicators
• Gina starts to rebalance pH levels in the vagina after two weeks. Symptom relief can be felt after eight weeks
• Gina is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Oestrogen levels decline after the menopause and this can cause changes in vaginal health, with around one in two women experiencing vaginal dryness, soreness or uncomfortable sex. Gina is a new over-the-counter treatment which targets and treats the cause of vaginal dryness without a prescription. For vaginal symptoms post menopause, including dryness, Gina is suitable for post-menopausal women aged 50+ who have not had a period for over a year, available after suitability assessment with a pharmacist. Always read the label.
**Retail price is at the sole discretion of the retailer.
3. Changes to the skin
Want to tackle the effects of menopausal skin head on? Whether it’s hyperpigmentation, dullness or a dry texture, our skin can go on a roller-coaster of changes thanks to our fluctuating level of hormones. That’s why when it comes to facing menopausal skin, choosing a product with menopause-specific ingredients can help improve the visible signs of skin's elasticity.
Try: Boots Skin Edit Brightening Serum with Vitamin C, (£12.99)
• 28ml
• Vegan formula
• Recyclable carton & bottle
• Suitable for all skin types
Specially formulated to target the visible skin changes experienced during the menopause, the fast absorbing serum infused with skin-loving vitamin C works to brighten the skin by helping it look more radiant and luminous. Gently pat the serum onto freshly cleansed, dry skin every morning and night and let it get to work.
4. Changes to the hair
Much like thinning and loss of hair, some of us may experience different symptoms such as dry, fragile hair and a sensitive scalp. So why not consider trying a complete range that’s specifically designed for menopausal hair?
Try: Pantene Menopause Range, (£5.99-£19.99)
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hair thickening scalp serum
• Hair mask
Offering a complete tailormade solution to help manage the changes to your hair, this range is formulated with perimenopausal and menopausal women in mind. Enriched with the iconic Pro-V blend as well as an infusion of vitamin B3 and white tea, the rejuvenating range helps nourish hair from root to tip.
5. Joint pain
Did you know joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms of the menopause? That's right. As oestrogen levels decline, joints tend to become stiff and painful which may make it uncomfortable to carry out day-to-day tasks. Having a little extra support can help alleviate pain.
6. Bladder weakness
The hormonal shifts that drive changes to our bodies during the menopause are a natural part of our lives. One symptom only few women may experience is bladder weakness. If you sometimes feel little leaks from time to time – whether it’s by laughing, coughing, sneezing or by playing sports – this is a completely normal part of the menopause journey, and certainly nothing to be embarrassed about.
Why not try some pelvic floor exercises? Squeeze the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine when you go to the toilet. Start doing this 10-15 times and build up how often you do this. Click here for more advice.
Try: TENA Lights Long Incontinence Liners, (£3)
• 40 pack
• Dermatologically tested
• Safe & kind to skin
• 21cm long & 3mm thin
Take care of your skin with the discreet yet absorbent liners that provide triple protection from light bladder leaks, odour and moisture. Better still, with more absorbency than a regular liner, rest assured that drips and small urine leaks are locked away deep inside the long liner, so you can go about your day feeling fresh, dry and confident.
