Fay’s Top Tips

  • Linen & Cotton

    To help your body deal with the fluctuating temperatures that hot flushes cause, it is best to wear natural fibres like Cotton, Linen and Bamboo.

    These fabrics are more breathable and are better at absorbing perspiration unlike Viscose and polyester which will make you sweat more. They are also more sustainable, so better for the planet.

  • Hot Sweats and Chafing

    Having hot flushes is not pleasant and when the weather is warm, some menopausal women end up sweating a lot more. Which results in uncomfortable chafing…using liquid talc, can help to alleviate this. You can apply it when getting dressed in the morning and it dries fairly quickly.

    It can be found in the baby aisle of supermarkets/chemists and is primarily used to help prevent nappy rash on babies….so it does not have any harsh chemicals.

  • The Water Bottle

    When I first started the menopause and was commuting daily into the office, I would put a small bottle of water in the freezer each night and in the morning take it with me as I left for work.

    I used it to hold against my wrist etc when I felt a hot flush / to cool me down and was also handy for when I got thirsty.

Community questions – knowledge is power and we can all learn together

  • What is HRT?

    HRT is a Hormone Replacement Therapy and comes in different forms - tablets, patches and eostrogel are the common ones. It is used to relieve symptoms associated with the menopause, which occurs as certain hormones start to decline in our bodies. We lose bone density during the menopause and taking HRT can help prevent the bones weakening and lessen the risk of osteoporosis.

  • How long does it take for HRT to work?

    It depends, as some people absorb medication quicker than others. We would normally say 3 to 4 weeks, but GP’s advise around 3 months. You know your body, in terms of if something does not feel right and HRT is meant to make you feel better. So you might need to increase your dose or change the HRT.

  • I am not sleeping very well and I always sleep like a baby. What can I take?

    There are so many sleep aids out there it can be a bit of trial and error. A good lavender mist that you can spray on your pillow before bed, could work.

    Another is a relaxing bath with Epsom Salts before bed and try to make sure your room is dark and cool. Maybe sleep with just a sheet, rather than a duvet.

    Do not look at your phone before bed, as it will just stimulate your mind and some people meditate before bed, as it helps them to relax and switch off.

    A glass of wine to relax is tempting, but it will disturb your sleep and the same goes for coffee…avoid these in the evening.

  • My hair has been brittle since starting perimenopause, why and what can I take?

    As we enter perimenopause our oestrogen levels drop and the androgen (male hormone) levels rise. Which causes hair to become weaker and in some cases fall out - a good collagen or Biotin supplement will help. Vitamin C, D, E and iron will help to promote hair growth and try to incorporate more protein into your diet.

    A good moisturising shampoo and conditioner will not hurt and try to avoid use of hot irons/straighteners, colouring, braiding and ponytails as they put more pressure on the hair.

Useful Links

Have a question around the menopause let us know and we will do our best to answer it. If we don't know the answer, we will try and find out from someone who does.

All questions and answers will be shared here.