Latest news with #perimenopause
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"We Simply Do Not Care Anymore": Women Over 40 Are Sharing Things They're Fed Up With At This Point
If you have not ridden the rollercoaster known as perimenopause, congrats. Ditto if you're one of the lucky ones who can say it was "not that bad." But for many women, the years leading up to menopause can bring with them hot flashes, insomnia, vertigo, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and a host of other "fun" surprises. It's like a second puberty, but there's no Judy Blume book for this. So when I, a frequent flyer on Hot Flash Airlines, came across Melani (@justbeingmelani) on TikTok, it was like a breath of fresh air. Melani is the founder of the "We Do Not Care Club," a group for women in perimenopause and menopause. In the comments of her daily videos, women share things that we simply do not care about today. Then, the next day, Melani reads them back to the club, and commenters add new submissions. Here are some of my personal favorite "We Do Not Care Club" submissions that made me laugh and nod my head "yes" so hard I got a neck ache: 1."I don't care that I have a California king and I sleep on one half and the other half is a two-week pile of clothes out of the dryer." —sam_i_am_1968 2."I don't care what my family eats for dinner NO MORE! Eat Funyuns and jellybeans, WDNC." —khershalynn 3."WDNC what we look like from the back. That is not our business." —sarahh5510 4."WDNC Club....I finally found my people!!!!! WDNC if anyone can tell if we don't have a bra on under the hoodie. The hoodie is an automatic exemption from a bra." —macarone33 5."We don't care about learning new music. The '90s was the best era anyway!!" —ashan1976 6."I do not care that my hair has been in a ponytail since 2001." —amysims50 7."We don't care that we want to be home all day on our days off! Everything I like is at home. I paid for it, Imma stay in it!" —vhardy.7 8."We do not care what healthy salad, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free rubbish our co-workers are having for lunch. Just let me eat my lasagne in peace!" —lararandle1 Related: "I Know You Aren't Trying To Hurt Me." Doctors, Nurses, And First Responders Are Revealing The Most "Haunting" Last Words They've Heard From A Patient 9."And I don't care about the perfect kitchen/bathroom/bedroom beige Pinterest aesthetic. I'm too old and tired. WDNC club." —itsjusterind 10."We don't care about those lights on the dashboard. If the car is moving, it's fine." —lemonzest83 11."We do not care if our shoes are cute. Comfortable shoes only." —rme80 12."I do not care how long it takes for me to put my wallet back into my purse after I pay for my groceries. Your turn starts when I am finished. Don't rush me." —luckyredfriday 13."WDNC about washing instructions. If it can't survive a cold wash and a dry cycle, then it wasn't for me anyway." —shannihilation 14."I do not care if people think my legs are too fat for shorts. It's hot. You're lucky I'm wearing anything." — Related: 27 Grown-Ass Adults Who Threw Such Unbelievable Temper Tantrums, Even The Brattiest Toddler Couldn't Compete 15."WDNC to go to another work event. My teambuilding skills expired and will not be renewed." —bethklongpayabal 16."We do not care if the AC is on 60. Don't touch that fan. If you're cold, get an extra blanket. I'm good." —mizzterminator 17."I do not care if I fart when I walk. It is out of my control." —heidimark1 18."WDNC about folding our fitted sheets. I'm rolling them up in a ball and throwing them in the dresser. They will straighten themselves out!!!" —sprouting_with_ivy 19."We do not care to wear hard pants ever again." —mylittlegardenplot 20."We do not care if we said we would go. We changed our minds as soon as we got home." — 21."I do not care if my resting b—— face offends anyone. It's my face, it's not going to change right now." —lorib431 22."We do not care if we have pet hair all over our clothes. Our pets are the only people we like." —mookiepookie23 23."WDNC. I'm gonna start eating the rotisserie chicken as soon as I get in the car." —yourmom77777777777 24."We do not care if it says 'Not Dishwasher Safe.' It's about to learn some hard lessons in this house 😆." —theathletesocialcoach 25."Logging in from the Paris, France chapter of the WDNC club. We do not care if carbs and butter are 'bad' for us. Give us the damn croissant and nobody gets hurt." —giadecadenet 26."WDNC if the house is clean when you come over, also don't come over." —bratcat178 27."WDNC if we forget the name of something. We will make a new word for it, and you will have to understand what I meant." —noonespecial0515 28."We do not care that we no longer keep a poker face at work. My eyebrow said what it said." —tlen1985 29."We do not care if a side part or a middle part is the hot trend. We style our hair whatever way the wind blows." —caryzel 30."We do not care if we repeat the same story twice. If it was good once, it'll be better the second time." —dorkapottamus finally, "I do not care that this club is for perimenopause/menopause women and I'm in my 20s, I relate to everything 🤣❤️." —imjustdolly_ Follow Melani on TikTok to join the club, and let us know what you do not care about today in the comments! Also in Internet Finds: 51 Wildly Fascinating Photos Of Disorders, Injuries, And Variations In The Human Body That I Cannot Stop Staring At Also in Internet Finds: 23 People Who Tried Their Best, But Crapped The Bed So Bad Also in Internet Finds: 19 Things Society Glorifies That Are Actually Straight-Up Terrible, And We Need To Stop Pretending Otherwise
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"We Simply Do Not Care Anymore": Women Over 40 Are Sharing Things They're Fed Up With At This Point
If you have not ridden the rollercoaster known as perimenopause, congrats. Ditto if you're one of the lucky ones who can say it was "not that bad." But for many women, the years leading up to menopause can bring with them hot flashes, insomnia, vertigo, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and a host of other "fun" surprises. It's like a second puberty, but there's no Judy Blume book for this. So when I, a frequent flyer on Hot Flash Airlines, came across Melani (@justbeingmelani) on TikTok, it was like a breath of fresh air. Melani is the founder of the "We Do Not Care Club," a group for women in perimenopause and menopause. In the comments of her daily videos, women share things that we simply do not care about today. Then, the next day, Melani reads them back to the club, and commenters add new submissions. Here are some of my personal favorite "We Do Not Care Club" submissions that made me laugh and nod my head "yes" so hard I got a neck ache: 1."I don't care that I have a California king and I sleep on one half and the other half is a two-week pile of clothes out of the dryer." —sam_i_am_1968 2."I don't care what my family eats for dinner NO MORE! Eat Funyuns and jellybeans, WDNC." —khershalynn 3."WDNC what we look like from the back. That is not our business." —sarahh5510 4."WDNC Club....I finally found my people!!!!! WDNC if anyone can tell if we don't have a bra on under the hoodie. The hoodie is an automatic exemption from a bra." —macarone33 5."We don't care about learning new music. The '90s was the best era anyway!!" —ashan1976 6."I do not care that my hair has been in a ponytail since 2001." —amysims50 7."We don't care that we want to be home all day on our days off! Everything I like is at home. I paid for it, Imma stay in it!" —vhardy.7 8."We do not care what healthy salad, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free rubbish our co-workers are having for lunch. Just let me eat my lasagne in peace!" —lararandle1 Related: "I Know You Aren't Trying To Hurt Me." Doctors, Nurses, And First Responders Are Revealing The Most "Haunting" Last Words They've Heard From A Patient 9."And I don't care about the perfect kitchen/bathroom/bedroom beige Pinterest aesthetic. I'm too old and tired. WDNC club." —itsjusterind 10."We don't care about those lights on the dashboard. If the car is moving, it's fine." —lemonzest83 11."We do not care if our shoes are cute. Comfortable shoes only." —rme80 12."I do not care how long it takes for me to put my wallet back into my purse after I pay for my groceries. Your turn starts when I am finished. Don't rush me." —luckyredfriday 13."WDNC about washing instructions. If it can't survive a cold wash and a dry cycle, then it wasn't for me anyway." —shannihilation 14."I do not care if people think my legs are too fat for shorts. It's hot. You're lucky I'm wearing anything." — Related: 27 Grown-Ass Adults Who Threw Such Unbelievable Temper Tantrums, Even The Brattiest Toddler Couldn't Compete 15."WDNC to go to another work event. My teambuilding skills expired and will not be renewed." —bethklongpayabal 16."We do not care if the AC is on 60. Don't touch that fan. If you're cold, get an extra blanket. I'm good." —mizzterminator 17."I do not care if I fart when I walk. It is out of my control." —heidimark1 18."WDNC about folding our fitted sheets. I'm rolling them up in a ball and throwing them in the dresser. They will straighten themselves out!!!" —sprouting_with_ivy 19."We do not care to wear hard pants ever again." —mylittlegardenplot 20."We do not care if we said we would go. We changed our minds as soon as we got home." — 21."I do not care if my resting b—— face offends anyone. It's my face, it's not going to change right now." —lorib431 22."We do not care if we have pet hair all over our clothes. Our pets are the only people we like." —mookiepookie23 23."WDNC. I'm gonna start eating the rotisserie chicken as soon as I get in the car." —yourmom77777777777 24."We do not care if it says 'Not Dishwasher Safe.' It's about to learn some hard lessons in this house 😆." —theathletesocialcoach 25."Logging in from the Paris, France chapter of the WDNC club. We do not care if carbs and butter are 'bad' for us. Give us the damn croissant and nobody gets hurt." —giadecadenet 26."WDNC if the house is clean when you come over, also don't come over." —bratcat178 27."WDNC if we forget the name of something. We will make a new word for it, and you will have to understand what I meant." —noonespecial0515 28."We do not care that we no longer keep a poker face at work. My eyebrow said what it said." —tlen1985 29."We do not care if a side part or a middle part is the hot trend. We style our hair whatever way the wind blows." —caryzel 30."We do not care if we repeat the same story twice. If it was good once, it'll be better the second time." —dorkapottamus finally, "I do not care that this club is for perimenopause/menopause women and I'm in my 20s, I relate to everything 🤣❤️." —imjustdolly_ Follow Melani on TikTok to join the club, and let us know what you do not care about today in the comments! Also in Internet Finds: 51 Wildly Fascinating Photos Of Disorders, Injuries, And Variations In The Human Body That I Cannot Stop Staring At Also in Internet Finds: 23 People Who Tried Their Best, But Crapped The Bed So Bad Also in Internet Finds: 19 Things Society Glorifies That Are Actually Straight-Up Terrible, And We Need To Stop Pretending Otherwise
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
ITV reality star reveals life-changing health diagnosis aged 46, saying ‘I feel numb'
REALITY TV star Natalie Russell has opened up about her recent life-changing diagnosis. The star of the ITV series, My Mum, Your Dad revealed she had been diagnosed with ADHD, saying she was "feeling numb" after hearing the news. 3 3 Short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD is a disorder that affects peoples ability to regulate their attention, energy levels and impulse control. As Natalie pointed out in her Instagram video revealing her diagnosis, there has been increasing numbers of cases being picked up in adulthood. The 45-year-old said getting the diagnosis "brought up a lot of things, and it's made a lot of things make sense." "There's that kind of relief and self-understanding that comes with it, and then there's also probably some grief there of knowing that had I had that understanding earlier on in life... might have changed the course of things for me," Natalie said. "There's so many things that I'm now looking back at and going, 'oh, that explains it'." Natalie spoke on experiencing emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity disorder which are common symptoms of ADHD. "It's interesting times [for me], and I think I've definitely felt my symptoms more because of my perimenopause... it's become so much more apparent, and I've found that quite frustrating," she said. "Although I knew I had a lot of the symptoms, I think just hearing someone else confirm it [has helped]." Natalie added: "I think the fundamental part of it is like self-acceptance. and compassion for yourself. "That's so key, because I'm having to extend a lot of grace to myself." Natalie's followers thanked her for her honesty and reacted to the video in the comments section of her post. "It's a complex thing to process so definitely give yourself the time you need - lots of mixed emotions, and I'm sure the waves will rise and fall as you come to terms with them," wrote one person. Another added: "Absolutely love you, you always speak from the heart." And a third commented: "Thankyou for sharing. I can relate to every word." The 9 signs of ADHD in adults ADHD has long been associated with naughty schoolkids who cannot sit still in class. And that is part of it. Fidgeting, daydreaming and getting easily distracted are all symptoms of the behavioural condition, which is why it is often spotted in children. However, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is far more complex than simply having trouble focusing. Henry Shelford, CEO and co-founder of ADHD UK, says: 'If it isn't debilitating, it isn't ADHD.' In recent years, social media has given rise to trends which conflate specific personality traits or single behaviours with ADHD. You might be thinking, 'I'm always losing my keys, forgetting birthdays and I can never concentrate at work — I must have ADHD'. But it's not as simple as that. Though these may all point to the condition, Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, says: 'The key distinction lies in how much a behaviour impacts a person's daily life. 'Genuine ADHD symptoms affect multiple areas of life - work, relationships and emotional wellbeing - whereas personality traits are typically context-dependent and less disruptive.' ADHD UK's Henry, who has the condition himself, adds: 'Having ADHD is hard. One in ten men with ADHD and one in four women with ADHD will at some point try to take their own lives.' So how can ADHD manifest in someone's life? While hyperactivity is a common indicator, here are nine other subtle signs: Time blindness - losing track of time, underestimating how long tasks will take, regularly being late or excessively early Lack of organisation - a messy home, frequently misplacing items, forgetting deadlines Hyperfocus - becoming deeply engrossed in activities for hours Procrastination - feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists and struggling to determine what needs your attention first so focusing on less important tasks Heightened emotions - emotional struggles can manifest in angry outbursts, feeling flooded with joy or shutting down because you feel too much at once Being a 'yes man' - agreeing to new projects at work or dinner dates with friends when you're already busy (a desire to please) Impatience - interrupting people mid-conversation, finding it painful to stand in a queue, being overly chatty Restlessness - tapping, pacing, fidgeting or feeling restless on the inside Easily distracted - by external things, like noises, or internal things like thoughts Natalie, who is a self-esteem and relationship recovery coach appeared on My Mum, Your Dad. She was partnered up with Paul Edwards, 47, in the hit ITV show - but it wasn't meant to be as they split soon after filming was over.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Perimenopausal and menopausal skin: How to tackle the most common problems
The dawn of my 40s has brought plenty of welcome changes, but along with the good, there have been a few unpleasant surprises, many of them showing up on my skin. My once occasional hormonal breakouts are, annoyingly, more frequent. Stubborn spots, often deep, painful ones, congregate around my chin and jawline, immune to my usual quick fixes, and my skin feels more prone to dullness than ever before. What is going on? I asked Eavanna Breen, aesthetician and clinical director of Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic to break down exactly what's happening to our skin during perimenopause and menopause – from dryness and dullness to breakouts and pigmentation changes – and what we can do about it. Why does it feel like our skin changes overnight during perimenopause and menopause? Because in many ways, it does. Hormonal shifts, particularly the drop in oestrogen, impact multiple systems at once, and skin is often the first place women see those changes. It's not your imagination – what used to work suddenly doesn't, and skin can go from stable to reactive, dull, dry or breakout-prone seemingly overnight. What is happening in the skin? Oestrogen plays a huge role in skin health. It regulates collagen production, moisture retention, wound healing and skin thickness. As oestrogen declines, so does the skin's ability to stay firm, hydrated and resilient. Cell turnover slows down, skin barrier function weakens and inflammation becomes more likely. Everything becomes just a bit more delicate. READ MORE What about collagen loss – does it speed up? Yes. The numbers are stark. Women lose about 30 per cent of their collagen in the first five years after menopause. After that, collagen continues to decline at roughly 2 per cent per year. This loss is one of the main reasons for accelerated signs of ageing, such as sagging, fine lines and thinner, less elastic skin. Eavanna Breen, aesthetician and clinical director of Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic What does that look like in the mirror? In clinic, the two most common concerns I hear are: 'My face looks like it's dropping' – a result of volume loss and skin laxity, and 'My skin looks dull and dry, no matter what I use' – due to impaired barrier function and reduced oil production. You mention 'impaired barrier function' – does that mean our skin becomes more sensitive? Absolutely. As oestrogen drops, so does the production of lipids and ceramides, otherwise known as the 'glue' that holds your barrier together. This makes skin more reactive, more prone to redness and less able to bounce back from irritation or environmental stress. What about pigmentary changes – is it common to see patchy, uneven skin? Yes. Melanin production becomes irregular, often leading to age spots, melasma and uneven tone. UV damage from childhood years starts to become more visible as the skin's repair mechanisms slow down. [ Róisín Ingle: It's been 590 days since my last period Opens in new window ] Let's talk about hormonal acne. Why does it happen during perimenopause and menopause – and why does it feel so intense? The drop in oestrogen throws off the balance with androgens like testosterone, which can lead to increased oil production and deeper, cystic breakouts, especially around the jawline and chin. At this stage, the breakouts feel more aggressive because the skin is drier, slower to heal and more reactive. What products are best for managing hormonal acne? Use gentle, non-stripping cleansers such as Skinmade Clean and Care Cleanser (€30 from ). I've personally trialled nearly every recommended cleanser out there and this is by far the best one. Spot treat with ingredients like salicylic acid, sulphur or benzoyl peroxide (in moderation), and avoid over-exfoliating or layering too many actives. Skinmade Clean & Care Oil (€30 from It's also important to pre-treat to reduce occurrence. Focus on supporting the skin barrier year-round. Try to keep hormones as stable as possible with lifestyle factors (managing your sleep, stress and blood sugar), and look at (under guidance from your GP) introducing supplements like zinc, DIM, omega-3s, or evening primrose oil. They can help support hormonal balance and inflammation levels. Are branded 'peri/meno' skincare lines helpful or just fear-based marketing? In many cases, it's more marketing than science. Skin doesn't need an entirely different product range because of your age – it needs supportive ingredients tailored to what your skin is going through. Look for products that respect barrier health, support collagen and calm inflammation, not just ones labelled for 'mature skin'. What do women actually need in their routine during this phase? A very simple and strategic approach. In the morning, a gentle cleanser, an antioxidant serum (like Vitamin C), a hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid or peptides), a moisturiser and broad-spectrum, high-factor sunscreen. In the evening, a creamy, milky or oil-based cleanser, a retinoid (if tolerated – or bakuchiol as a gentler alternative), a ceramide-rich moisturiser and a nourishing oil or barrier repair balm as needed. What habits can work against us? During this phase, several habits can unintentionally work against us. One common mistake is over-exfoliating. In an attempt to combat dullness, many turn to acids too frequently, which only increases sensitivity and disrupts the skin barrier. Product hopping is another issue, where the search for quick results leads to constantly switching products instead of giving the skin time to adjust and respond. Neglecting sunscreen is especially problematic, particularly when pigmentation concerns are becoming more noticeable, as unprotected UV exposure can worsen uneven tone. Lastly, and often most damaging, is self-criticism. Being harsh about how your skin is changing instead of responding with understanding and support can undermine both your skin health and your confidence. [ 'There's too much talk about menopause? We're just making up for the last 20 goddamn years when women suffered in silence' Opens in new window ] Do supplements help, and which ones do you recommend? Yes, but think of them as support, not magic. My go-to supplements for skin support during perimenopause and menopause include collagen peptides (high-quality, hydrolysed), Omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory, barrier-supporting), Vitamin D3, zinc (especially for inflammation/acne) and adaptogens (like ashwagandha or rhodiola for stress management). Consult your GP for advice. What in-clinic treatments do you use most for perimenopausal and menopausal skin? Microneedling with skin boosters to stimulate collagen and deeply hydrate, Inmode Lumecca IPL to tackle redness, pigmentation and overall skin clarity. Radiofrequency to lift and firm without downtime, and LED therapy to support healing, inflammation and mood regulation.
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Why does nobody talk about dryness? Premature menopause had me constantly irritated – this is how I dealt with it
At 40, I've had chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia and OCD for half my life, so I'm used to experiencing a lot of strange mental and physical symptoms. However, a few years ago, these symptoms multiplied. I was experiencing things I'd never experienced before – crying randomly in the happiest places, an extreme fear of everything (when usually my confidence bordered on arrogance), a prickly numb sensation in my thighs, extreme body skin dryness and irritation, the list goes on. I didn't know it yet, but these were all symptoms of menopause. A recent study by JSHealth Vitamins found that 90 per cent of women feel inadequately prepared for the symptoms associated with perimenopause. I know that if I'd been taught about the symptoms at school, or read more press coverage on menopause, I would have been able to identify what was happening to me a lot sooner. It was the skin dryness and almost eczema-like irritation on my body that unlocked a premature menopause diagnosis for me. I had seen someone on Instagram who was going through menopause talking about using the same creams that my doctor had given me for my skin issues. Her doctor told her it was a menopause symptom. I was 39 at the time so menopause had never even entered my mind as a possible explanation. The taboo symptoms of menopause I had been on the 'mini pill' (progesterone only) for decades, which eliminated periods for me, so I hadn't even noticed any changes with my cycle. I Googled other menopause symptoms and discovered that I had been experiencing every single one, for years. I immediately booked an appointment with my doctor for blood tests, and after two rounds of them several months apart, I was diagnosed with premature menopause and put on HRT. I was lucky – alarmingly, JS Health Vitamins found that 1 in 4 women felt their local GP was inadequately trained in menopause. By chance, I got a female GP who was up to speed and educated on the topic. However, at the start of my menopause journey the one symptom I had been too embarrassed to seek help with was vaginal dryness. Like the skin on other areas of my body, the skin down there was extremely irritated, I experienced a burning sensation and it was sore to touch. GP Dr Sophie Newton explains that, 'menopausal vaginal dryness is a symptom of what's medically called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It's caused by a reduction in oestrogen levels, which affects the tissues of the vagina and surrounding areas. Without enough oestrogen, these tissues become thinner, less elastic and produce less natural lubrication.' Over the next couple of months, the prescribed oestrogen gel that I applied to my arms and the progesterone capsules I took, transformed my life and reset me. But I was still experiencing hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Hot flushes and excess sweating I could deal with, but the vaginal dryness was having a severe impact on my life and my sleep. At my first HRT review, I shared these symptoms, and I was prescribed oestrogen pessaries – a low-dose oestrogen tablet that's inserted into the vagina with a tampon-like applicator twice per week. Dr Newton says that the crux of managing dryness is oestrogen. The pessaries I was prescribed helped relieve my vaginal dryness symptoms a little, but not enough. I was at the maximum dose and not able to increase how often I inserted one. The effect this was having on my life was intolerable. I was constantly irritated down there, and it felt like permanently having a mixture of a urinary tract infection and thrush. GP and women's health expert Dr Milli Raizada explained to me that GSM, 'doesn't just impact your vagina and vulva, but also the urinary tract (urethra).' This made total sense. I was raw and sore, and I had an annoying burning sensation with an incessant feeling of needing to pee, which kept me awake most of the night. Sex with my husband was off the table as it was uncomfortable, and if we did have sex, the irritating effects lasted for days afterwards. How to treat vaginal dryness I began experimenting with the help of 'Dr Google' and tried lots of things the internet suggested might be helpful – olive oil, ice packs on my labia, over-the-counter vaginal moisturising gel from a high street chemist – but I wasn't really getting anywhere. The ice packs did help me sleep temporarily, but that was it. The moisturising gel had the opposite effect and set the area on fire. 'Surely women don't just live with this?' I thought to myself as I searched for more treatments and solutions. It took me a long time, and a lot of money, to find the products that worked for me, and to identify the things that increased the irritation. Dr Raizada explains that vaginal dryness symptoms are caused by a number of things, including 'less blood flow to the area, less oestrogen which changes the vaginal pH to more be alkaline, less oestrogen meaning less collagen and less elasticity, over washing the area, lifestyle factors like tight gym clothes and excess sweating, and certain medications. For example, antihistamines can worsen irritation too'. We are all so unique and our skin might be different to someone else's, so it took a lot of trial and error to find the routine that allowed me to live comfortably again. It wasn't a quick fix and as Dr Newton explains, 'lots of soaps, feminine hygiene products, wipes and sprays are often not recommended as they can worsen genital dryness, itching and irritation.' Like Dr Newton, I strongly encourage you to discontinue the use of any product that causes any kind of negative reaction. But I did eventually find an intimate care routine that worked for my skin – products that lubricated the area and left it comfortable, and products that soothed and cooled the skin, allowing me to resume a normal sleep pattern and enjoy sex again. From loose cotton underwear to Andrex skin kind toilet tissue, all manner of things helped relieve my vaginal dryness symptoms. I now have my self care routine perfected and these are the products I'd recommend if you're also experiencing this lesser discussed symptom of menopause. A gentle hydrating wash Dr Newton advises that, 'even gentle washes can upset the vulval pH. Stick to water or a plain emollient.' This is usually the advice you'll hear from women's health experts, however, that approach just didn't work for me. It was only with a particular intimate wash that I got any relief. Luna Daily creates its products with a team of dermatologists and, most importantly, gynaecologists, to ensure their products are safe for the delicate vulval area. The everywhere wash has a unique hydrabiome+ complex, which balances your vaginal microbiome and optimises its pH level. It also gives the area a large dose of moisture and supports the natural skin barrier. Dr Raizada suggests this might have helped me because unlike many other intimate washes, the Luna Daily wash is 'fragrance-free and contains lactic acid, and prebiotics such as inulin to help support a healthy vaginal microbiome as well as soothing omega fatty acids and vitamin E to offer barrier support'. However, she also notes that it 'also contains glycerin, so for some, may trigger thrush and bacterial vaginosis'. The other wash that I sometimes use, when I'm feeling luxurious, is Dr Barbara Sturm's V Wash. It too allows me to cleanse without irritation. It also soothes any existing irritation I may have with purslane extract and panthenol. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the area, and lactic acid helps the skin there to retain moisture, as well as supporting the area's delicate microbiome. There's also prebiotics and probiotics to maintain the intimate microflora. Dr Milli Raizada says that this wash 'aims to support the vaginal pH and microbiome with lactic acid, lactitol, xylitol, lactococcus and probiotic ferments. Hyaluronate is aimed to be moisturising and panthenol to maintain the skin barrier.' She does make the same warning about the inclusion of glycerin though. Vaginal care products aren't typically 'sexy' or enjoyable to use, but this one feels like a luxurious treat and it looks great in my bathroom, instead of being hidden away like most of the other products I use in this area. Cooling packs and sprays While Luna Daily's soothing spray is intended for women who have had a vaginal birth, it has been so helpful to me in helping to soothe my vaginal dryness (GSM). I spray it directly onto the skin and it helps relieve irritation from inflammation. It's extra cooling and soothing if you keep it in the fridge. It's infused with soothing aloe vera and bisabolol, anti-inflammatory calendula, and microbiome supportive lactic acid'. Dr Milli Raizada says that it 'contains a soothing barrier, moisturising chamomile derivatives, and aloe vera and lactic acid as a vaginal microbiome pH support – which is helpful to sensitive vulvas in those with GSM.' She advises that you patch test this first though, as there is a potential that it could be an irritant to some. Dr Sophie Newton explains that this is because some sprays 'can sting or dry out sensitive vulval tissue.' I already knew that my skin liked a cold pack, but the specific packs I now use were a god-send discovery. These Vagikool packs by Kegel8 are basically like ice poles for your vagina and relieve burning and itching, and reduce swelling post-intercourse. Dr Sophie Newton agrees that this can be a useful product – 'a clean, reusable cold pack can ease irritation — just don't over-chill.' It's reusable and hygienic as you use a disposable shield over it each time, a bit like a condom. Dr Milli Raizada also agrees that it eases 'irritation from swelling, and burning symptom relief that people may get with GSM.' She says 'it's very safe and simple and can be used with other treatments.' It's been particularly beneficial to me to aid sleep when I'm experiencing annoying irritation down there, and after sex to soothe the skin and stop any pain or irritation developing as a response to it. A specialist moisturiser Most experts will recommend a topical moisturiser for the vulval area to soothe dryness during menopause but you should be very particular about the types of creams, oils and gels you use down there. The one I came to rely heavily on was the Naydaya vagina victory oil. Gynaecologist formulated, all-natural and fragrance-free, it was designed to soothe intimate skin and alleviate vaginal dryness. All you need is a few drops and it's packed with soothing, nourishing oils and butters that have made me feel smooth and lubricated again. Pomegranate seed oil has omega 5-rich fatty acids, which protects dry, thinning skin and restores elasticity to vaginal tissue. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory and helps promote skin healing. There's also the natural emollient mango butter, as well as coconut oil, to moisturise and support the skin's natural moisture barrier. Dr Sophie Newton says that, 'natural oils can soothe some' but advises you to proceed with caution in case this causes irritation. I'd also recommend using the Yes VM Organic vaginal moisture applicators. These single-use, fragrance-free moisturisers lubricate the inside of the vagina and restore a natural pH level. They also alleviate irritation, itching and burning and are especially useful pre and post intercourse. Dr Milli Raizada goes as far as to say she recommends these to all her patients, because they are 'an organic, non-hormonal, water-based, pre-filled and hygiene-certified internal formula that is pH balanced.' Dr Sophie Newton also says she recommends these highly as they're excellent for dryness and are clinically proven. I find them so easy to insert and instantly soothing. A quality supplement Finally, I've found that the right supplement can improve symptoms. I rely on the JSHealth Vitamins vaginal probiotic+ capsules to stave off irritation. These oral probiotic capsules contain four selected bacteria strains, providing 15 billion live cultures, and 20g of Cranberries in each capsule, to rebalance the vaginal microbiome. Dr Raizada explains that this can be a useful probiotic top-up in theory as, 'in menopause, lower oestrogen means reduced glycogen in the vaginal mucosal area, so a reduction in the production of lactobacillus.' However, she and Dr Newton, note that more research is needed as there is a limited evidence base that a probiotic can help with symptoms of GSM. They note that some people do find it beneficial though, and whilst I can't wholly attribute the alleviation of my symptoms to these capsules, they don't do any harm and I feel more soothed and balanced than I did at the start of my journey.
