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I have written about HRT several times over the last 10 years and they are always some of my most-read blog posts. It seems that women are still looking for clear, honest, good quality information about perimenopause and menopause. We are still trying to understand what is happening to our bodies and trying to work out whether the symptoms we are living with are due to a busy life, stress, ageing, anxiety or whether they might actually be connected to our depleting hormones. And then when we have worked it out and want to discuss our options - maybe we think it is time to try HRT - but HRT still feels confusing! One friend says it changed her life. Another says it is dangerous. Someone else says she doesn't need HRT because she does not have symptoms. Then an unqualified voice online shares an old headline about cancer, strokes or blood clots and suddenly it all feels frightening again. Recently I saw someone on Instagram say that HRT caused her to have a stroke. There was no context, no explanation and no balance around the fact that, for many women, the benefits of HRT can outweigh the risks. There was no information about the difference between older synthetic HRT and the new transdermal HRT menopause specialists recommend today. There was no mention of dose, age, health history, personal risk factors or which hormones were being used. Without context, I think posts like that can be really unhelpful and frightening. A lot of the fear around HRT still comes from older headlines, older synthetic hormones, older prescribing habits and studies that do not always reflect the way many menopause specialists prescribe today. Menopause training and experience can still vary hugely too. Some women get excellent support from their GP, while others are still dismissed, rushed or offered antidepressants without a proper menopause conversation. This blog is not medical advice. I am not a doctor and I would never tell another woman what she should take. But I do have my own experience and I have learned, sometimes the hard and expensive way, that not all HRT advice is equal. What I want to do here is share what I wish I had understood earlier about HRT, natural hormones, progesterone intolerance and why it is never too late to ask for proper help. Women deserve better than fear, confusion and half-truths. We deserve clear information, proper support and the confidence to explore what is right for our own bodies. I hope in this post I can clear up some misinformation and point you in the right direction for finding the support you need. It's a long one, but it needs to be! Make a cup of tea and get comfortable! Full disclaimer and references are provided.  I have done so much research and reading on menopause and HRT over the last 10 years!
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Overheating at night isn't just a midlife challenge, everyone wants to sleep under a comfortable, cosy duvet and know that they won't get too hot, toss and turn all night and feel miserable in the morning Midlife sleep changes are very common in perimenopause and menopause and choosing the right duvet can make a massive difference. It is also very common to get too cold at night, some menopausal women report 'cold flushes' so read on for my ultimate duvet guide in midlife, the good news is that choosing the right duvet isn't complicated once you understand the basics! In this guide I’m breaking down the most common duvet fillings - wool, feather/down, other natural fibres and polyester - plus why hybrid duvets (like the Simba Hybrid Duvet I’ve been testing) can be a great modern option if you overheat. Remember the tog rating is how warm it feels and the filling defines how it handles heat, moisture and weight on the body ... This is a gifted blog post.  Choose the right duvet in midlife to get the best sleep! My dressing gown is from British Boxers - get 20% off using my code FIFTYANDFAB20
When we discuss menopause, we usually focus on hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes, these are the symptoms everyone recognises and talks about. But what about our intimate health? Many women in perimenopause and postmenopause experience changes in their vulva, vagina, urinary tract and sexual function, yet feel too embarrassed to talk about them or ask for help. Symptoms like vaginal dryness, labia shrinkage, odour changes, recurrent UTIs or pain during sex are often considered taboo, even though they’re common and very treatable. It's time to open up the conversation, and get the help we deserve and that is readily available for everyone. This is a sponsored blog post.  Understanding your menopause vulva and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause What do you think, is menopause body odour a thing? Do we sweat (and smell) more as we transition through perimenopause and menopause? I've certainly noticed it, it's another one of those things we can put down to hormonal changes, and it isn't just because of hot flushes, which I've never had (night sweats yes) but my body temperature has changed and I no longer feel the cold as much as I used to. Excessive sweating, especially underarm odour, seems to appear even right after showering and using plenty of good shower gel! So why does it happen and how can we ensure we stay fresh right up to the end of the day to give us more confidence? This blog post contains gifted items and affiliate links  The new Spring Garden Collection from Fussy - limited edition floral case and new scents! |
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