Let’s DO THIS: menstruation and menopause can be a LOT.
Like, so much. So what items have helped you?
Amanda: I got a new heating pad recommended by my friend Emma
Lara: The meal delivery service here (similar to Hello Fresh) ship their meals with gel ice packs that when kept in the fridge are the perfect weight/temperature/squish for headaches or overheating.
I find them really calming too – when I’m in a PMS rage, sitting with some ice packs on me works wonders.
Sarah: And if you don’t have spare meal delivery freezer packs (I have SO Many) this one will certainly work:
Also, I have found that pajamas in wicking fabrics help a LOT when I get too warm at night – which is such a weird symptom for me because I am always cold.
I have a set a lot like these (I can’t find the one I bought):
Bamboo Pajama Set, $40, available in S to 4X
I also fluctuate during the day between hot and cold, and this three-quarter sleeve open cardigan is one of my wardrobe staples now when I’m too warm:
Hanes Lightweight Open Cardigan, S-XXL, $17
And when I’m colder, or the temperature drops because the weather can’t make up its mind:
Amazon Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan, XS-XXL, $27
Layers on! Layers off! All Day Long!
Tara: Those Sheets & Giggles sheets you recommended plus the comforter, for sure, I recommend for sleeping with hot flashes.
Elyse: LOL – Our Sheets & Giggles comforter arrived today!
Sarah: It was Elyse who recommended those sheets to us! She said they kept her very comfortable, even when she was dealing with night sweats.
Now we have two sets, and the teens wanted some too because they run hot at night.
Sheets & Giggles are “[m]ade from 100% eucalyptus lyocell, they’re cool to the touch, naturally temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and beyond breathable.”
They are indeed cool, and very soft, and extremely comfortable. I watch for sales and take advantage, especially for king-size sheets. But wow, are they worth it.
Tara: Can we say edible cannabis? Because I find it incredibly helpful for perimenopause.
Sarah: Yes, and yes. If it’s available as an option, it’s a wonderful one.
Claudia: For menopause, can we do a PSA about hormone therapy being ok?
Tara: Hell to the yes. It was life changing for me.
I mean, it’s not for everyone and it won’t solve everything. However, it doesn’t have to be feared as much as it is. I wasn’t happy with who I was turning into thanks to all the night sweats and ruined sleep.
I had to read The Menopause Manifesto to understand what was going on and get the right language, and then I was able to have the right conversation with my doctor.
Sarah: She was also a guest on the podcast to talk about menopause when the book came out! Episode 459. Facts, Feminism, and Menopause with Dr. Jen Gunter.
Claudia: Many people get discouraged or get misinformation so I’m glad for you. I go back and forth on it (not sure what constitutes severe symptoms, still trying to figure it out) but may explore HT further with my doctor.
Kiki: I used this when I got my IUD placed—great for when you want a heating pad but can’t be tied to one place:
Cora Heat Patch, $27 for 12It’s basically one of those hand warmer packets but it sticks to your underwear.
Sarah: Every time I do this column and ask for suggestions I find out about things I didn’t know existed and I am so excited.
Elyse: That would have been amazing to have when I was in high school.
Sarah: Right?
What about you: any products you recommend for menstruation or menopause? Wanting to keep cool, or warm up, or both?
Speaking of answers that aren’t for everyone and don’t solve everything but do solve a hell of a lot: continuous birth control. I haven’t had a period in years. A+ do recommend.
I didn’t even know anything like that cordless heating pad existed, but that sounds perfect! I have used the adhesive heat patches but like to save them for when I’m away from home.
I’m currently reading ‘Heavy Flow: Breaking the Curse of Menstruation’ by Amanda Laird and loving it so far.
I made this t-shirt for my friend. https://jeevwriting.teemill.com/product/periods-are-stupid-v-neck/
I love my wearable hot water bottle: https://wuka.co.uk/products/wuka-natural-rubber-long-hot-water-bottle
I did not at all understand that chronic vaginal dryness was common post-menopause until I realized I had it. And thank you, Menopause Manifesto, for explaining that! I’ve tried several OTC treatments and one I keep returning to is Good Clean Love, Restore Moisturizing Vaginal Gel. Pros: it’s water-based (aloe), comes with an applicator so you can control how much you use, not crazy expensive. Cons: slight vinegar smell, applicator is kinda poky.
I’ve had a surprisingly easy time going thru menopause. At 61 I count myself lucky. I use Estradiol for vaginal dryness (prescription). The Cool Nights pajamas from Soma are wonderful.
https://www.soma.com/store/category/cool+nights/cat3700009/
My daughter suffers from pelvic pain and she has found this TENS type device very effective.
https://ovira.com/
Its pricey but she likes that it fits under her clothes.
New York Times had a comprehensive article about menopause that should be required reading for women and their doctors.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/magazine/hormone-therapy-women-menopause.html
Good communication with one’s doctor is key, too. My doctor told me some “what to do if this happens” scenarios, and I was glad he had when something unexpected happened. I knew to contact him right away, and I had to have several tests rather quickly. I ended up seeing one of the other doctors at the practice for one procedure, and she really put me at ease and was great at follow up.
The Menopause Manifesto is good; I also really love WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS (possibly because of the irreverence of it?).
I’m in perimenopause and am having that fun, two weeks spotting, then either nothing OR the heaviest flow ever… basically I’ve started wearing the light flow underwear all the time just in case…
I haven’t had hot flashes so much as… warm spells? But definitely night sweats. Bamboo or eucalyptus sheets are great (and I invested in a mattress pad). I sleep Au natural, but some weekends I basically live in my robe. No bra! Boobs be free! (Uh, also it’s just me and the cat since my spouse and I split 6 months ago, so no one to see me in my most con my and unflattering knitwear)
As someone with really awful period cramps (endometriosis just SUCKS), flexible electric heating pads like this one have been lifesaving.
For Christmas my husband got me a cooling mattress pad that is hooked up to a mini air conditioner. When you turn it on, it circulates cold water through the pad. It’s not perfect (Since the pad has to be waterproof, it doesn’t breathe. I wound up folding a fleece blanket double and putting that on top. The coolness still gets through.) but it has been a big help. I usually turn it on when I get into bed for about half an hour, and then if I wake up in the night overheated, I can get cooled down that way instead of having to get up for an hour or more. I don’t have the link since I didn’t order it and I’m not at home to check the brand, but it was on amazon.