At 50, after finding HRT disappointing, Laura McKenna has discovered a range of products that help her manage menopause symptoms, from cooling pillows to hair care designed for thinning hair.
When she first wrote about her menopause journey in her forties, she was still coming to terms with experiencing something she had always associated with older women. Now, at 50, she has learnt that menopause is part of everyday life, with no magic wand or one-size-fits-all solution.
Early symptoms left her feeling out of sorts. There were the obvious hot flushes, but also changes to her hair and skin, bloating, sleep problems, brain fog and a strange feeling that she did not recognise herself anymore.
A shock diagnosis and HRT disappointment
When she went to the doctor thinking she had dermatitis and was asked whether she might be experiencing perimenopause, she was genuinely shocked. She remembers telling friends over a glass of wine: "I'm not old enough for the menopause."
Of course, she was. The menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier, and perimenopause can bring symptoms for several years before periods stop completely.
At the time, she was desperate to feel like herself again, and her doctor prescribed combined HRT. For her, it was not the straightforward miracle she had hoped for.
Cooling products and sleep aids
While there are no real alternatives to GP-issued medical treatment when things get tough, some small things can make a surprisingly big difference to comfort. One of the most useful discoveries has been cooling products, particularly when a hot flush comes out of nowhere.
The Silentnight Airmax CoolPro pillow from Amazon, currently £18.95, is designed to help prevent overheating at night. It uses CoolPro phase-changing material, which absorbs and disperses heat to help regulate temperature, as well as breathable mesh sides designed to improve airflow around the head.
She has found it much more effective than turning the pillow over to find the cool side. Sleep disturbances can be common during menopause, and she struggles to get a full eight hours, but at least her head is not boiling.
Fellow shoppers also seem impressed, with one shopper calling the pillow "absolutely brilliant," saying it kept their head cool and they had "no night sweats" after using it for the first time.
Another favourite is the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, priced at £25, which has become a regular part of her bedtime routine. Made with the brand's award-winning blend of lavender, vetivert and camomile, a few spritzes on her pillow helps her relax and drift off more easily.
Hair care and supplements
Many women suffer from changes to their hair and skin as they age. She found that shampoos she had used for years suddenly made her hair feel greasy and look lank. After trying a multitude of products, she finally found a firm favourite.
The Pantene Revitalize & Soothe Menopause Shampoo and Conditioner have been carefully curated with Pro-V, vitamin B3 and white tea that gently cleanses, moisturises and helps add volume to thinning hair while caring for the scalp. Often on sale at Amazon, savvy shoppers can pick up the pair for as little as £8.
During menopause, nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12 and iron can be particularly important, helping support bone health, energy and overall wellbeing. Initially, she was excited by the idea that vitamins and herbal remedies could be the answer, but now she is much more cautious.
There are plenty of menopause supplements on the market, but they are not all backed by strong evidence and some herbal remedies can interact with medicines. The NHS advises speaking to a GP or pharmacist before trying them, particularly if you are already taking medication.
For her, that is the important distinction: she is happy to try products that make her more comfortable, but she does not see them as a replacement for proper medical advice. She has been taking Menopace Max for a while now, and personally finds them to be effective. Claiming to be the UK's 'number 1 menopause supplement', they have a blend of vitamins and minerals designed to replace what the menopausal body is lacking.
She also takes a Magnesium Glycinate blend, and is very conscious of keeping up with a good spoonful of Feroglobin Liquid when she feels a bit run down.
What she has learnt at 50
Perhaps the biggest difference between writing this story in her forties and writing it now is that she is no longer waiting for the menopause to be "over". She has learnt to listen to her body rather than constantly wondering whether every new symptom is somehow her fault.
Weight changes, hair thinning, skin changes, sleep problems, brain fog and mood changes can all be part of perimenopause and menopause, and symptoms can change over time. She has also stopped thinking that she needs to find one perfect solution.
Some days that might mean making sure she has something cold nearby when a hot flush hits. Other days it might mean prioritising sleep, getting outside for a walk or simply accepting that she is exhausted and giving herself a break.
And when symptoms are having a real impact, she has become much more comfortable talking to a doctor about treatment rather than trying to battle through them.
The current advice is much clearer than it was when she first started this journey: if you are struggling with menopause symptoms, you do not simply have to put up with them. HRT can be highly effective for many women, while other medicines and non-medical approaches are also available depending on your circumstances.
At 50, she certainly does not have all the answers. But she is much less frightened of the menopause than she was, and she has realised that getting older does not mean losing your sparkle. Sometimes, it just means finding a slightly different way to shine.
