Wait, Am I in Menopause?

This is a question many women have asked themselves. While you may notice many menopause symptoms, you still may not be sure.

There is no biological test to either confirm or deny your nagging suspicion.  The most clear indicator is for women over 50.  One year since your last period?  You are probably in menopause.

For women 49 and under, or women over 50 who have had just-a-little-sneeze-of-a-period in the last year, the picture isn’t quite as clear.  If you are under 50, with no period for 2 years you probably qualifiy for the Menopause Club.  One can test FSH (follical stimulating hormone) and progesterone levels;  if you fall into certain ranges you will be determined to be “likely in menopause”.  

The symptoms of Menopause

The label. However,  isn’t what we are all looking for; we are looking for a reason for our noticeable biological changes and a means to address them. Here is an extended list of conditions you could be noticing:

Brain

• Memory issues*
• Mental Fog*
• Decrease in concentration*
• Moodiness*
• Depression*
• Sleep issues and fatigue*

Skin

• Hot Flashes*
• Dry skin
• Brittle nails
• Advanced aging

Weight

• Increased fat storage
• Redistribution of fat (usually in abdomen)

Bladder

• Sensitivity
• Incontinence
• UTIs due to vaginal dryness*

Vagina

• Dryness*
• Fragility of mucosa*
• Sexual difficulties and painful sex*
• Greater risk of infection due to dryness*

Pain

• Sensitive cartilage
• Inflammation*

PRoducts that help with Menopause Symptoms

Hello Again vaginal suppositories offer relief from many of these symptoms.  They are indicated with an asterik above.  There are other ways to address how you are feeling,  Some of our favorites from in and out of the cannabis space are below:

Brain

TruBrain brain food in a pouch.  Delish with diet tonic and a lime.

Slip sleep mask.  When you come out of sleep cycle, it really helps if your eyes don’t pop open and you don’t perceive light.  This mask is light weight, not too tight around the head, and doesn’t make your eyes sweat.

Dry skin

Proof Face Serum is perfectly moisturizing for normal to dry skin, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It includes therapeutic amounts of both THC and CBD for anti-aging, skin health, and radiance. Proof Body Oil is rich in THC & CBD, and this high-potency body serum helps soothe your muscles and body while restoring radiance to the skin. 

The Pause skincare products are designed specifically for women in midlife and address the issues that so many women face with their skin as they age.

Skin Food by Wedela is a rich plant blend formula that transforms skin to appear more luminous.

Rosebud Cuticle Salve works even better on the nail itself.

Putting oil on hair was antithetical to everything we did in our younger years.  Now, we love it.  Coconut oil does the job.  Customized hair oil is a treat.  Prose hair oil smells divine.  

Weight

Eat right, move more, drink water.  Beyond that please give yourself a break.  Sometimes a simple shift in design/style/cut can make you feel better and look fantastic.  Relaxed fit jeans not only give you more ease in all the right places, but, when styled correctly, project confidence.  Don’t be a saggy, baggy mess; check out this Relaxed Fit Styling Guide.

Bladder and sex issues

Hello Again vaginal suppositories can be a lifesaver for everyday moisturization and many women also find the vagitories are enough lubrication for sex.  Other women find it is time to layer in a personal lubricant for sex.  Lavinia is GYNOMITE.  

Pain

Mary’s Medicinals Muscle Freeze is a blend of full-spectrum hemp extract, mango butter, and menthol.

Papa and Barkley Pain Patch delivers up to 12 hours of deep transdermal relief for deep acute pain.

Decrease inflammation with parsley water!  It works for all kinds of inflammation-related discomfort.  Bring a pot of water and one clean bunch of organic Italian parsley to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.  Turn off the heat and let steep for 30 minutes.  Squeeze and strain out the parsley and drink as a warm tea or keep in the fridge to drink as water. 

The most important thing is acknowledging your symptoms and finding a solution so you can feel your best and enjoy this vibrant stage of life.