The onset of the menopause can be a baffling time with many women unsure of whats ahead. The menopause begins when the activity of the ovaries declines and the body's oestrogen level drops. Theres no certain way of pinpointing when symptoms will start, but the average age of menopause is 51.
The symptoms include a change to your usual period, hot flushes and night sweats and over 70% of women will experience vaginal dryness1.
With so much change, it can be a terrifying time but there are steps you can take to ensure you are prepared as you can be, like assessing your diet, your physical condition and mental attitude. Also, getting good advice from friends and discussing options with your GP is invaluable.
One other thing to consider is the shower wash you are using too. The pH of intimate skin is different to body skin; its naturally more acidic to prevent and discourage infections. This level changes in menopausal and post-menopausal women making it more alkaline, which could make you more prone to irritation.
Professor Janice Rymer, of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kings College London, recommends switching to Femfresh Intimate Wash or Body Wash, which are pH-balanced and hypoallergenic so help maintain a safe guard against the common irritations brought on by menopause. They are also dermatologically and gynaecologically tested so are gentle to your skin.
Other easy steps you can take include the following: Drink more water than usual to ensure you are suitably hydrated. Avoid any dehydrating products like alcohol and caffeine Avoid strongly perfumed washing powders. Opt for the most sensitive on the market Use a natural lubricant during sex.
About Femfresh: A womans intimate skin has a different pH to body skin but like body skin can be sensitive, so Femfresh products have been designed to care especially for this delicate skin. Intimate pH plays an important role in the bodys natural defences All Femfresh products are gynaecologically and dermatologically tested, so they wont irritate FEMFRESH is owned by Church & Dwight, a household, industrial and personal care products company. Femfresh is available at Boots, Superdrug, supermarkets and chemists nationwide.
About Femfresh Products: Intimate Wash (200ml) This delicately fragranced wash is pH balanced, soap free and hypoallergenic. With extracts of camomile and aloe vera. rrp £2.69 Body Wash (250ml) This luxurious gel is suitable for intimate use and sensitive skin so is perfect for all over use. Hypoallergenic. rrp £2.99 Individually wrapped wipes a handbag essential for freshness on demand, they will leave you feeling shower-fresh in a jiffy. With witch hazel and soothing allantoin. Flushable, biodegradable and hypoallergenic - rrp £2.29 for pack of 16 Wipes Alcohol and soap free, these hypoallergenic wipes contain allantoin and witch hazel, and are biodegradable and flushable. rrp £2.69 for 20 pack Deodorant Spray (125ml) Lightly fragranced and absorbent dry spray for a burst of freshness whenever you need it. Hypoallergenic. rrp £2.65 Talc-free Powder Lightly fragranced and absorbent. Perfect for use after a bath or shower. rrp £2.39
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