Menopause schmenopause

Stacy London on why this overlooked topic deserves the spotlight. [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( Presented by [Horizon Fitness]( IN a nutshell Back in May, our friends at Psych Central and Greatist predicted menopause awareness would be one of the [top sexual health and wellness trends in 2022](… and they were right! New products, services, and resources have been popping up nonstop this year to educate us about this hush-hush-yet-totally-natural topic and help the millions around the world who live through it. October 18 is also World Menopause Day, and we’re celebrating early by interviewing State of Menopause’s co-founder Stacy London. In addition to this Q&A, here’s what else we’re sending your way today (how many rhymes can we fit into one sentence?): • [a high-tech vibrating heating pad]( • [the rise of menopause retreats]( • [more health stories you need]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota October 14, 2022 • 8 min read You may know Stacy London from [TLC’s What Not to Wear]( (which I used to watch religiously with my mother) or as the face of menopause care company [State of Menopause](, which launched in 2021. I’m so excited to feature this exclusive Q&A with someone who’s doing such important work to raise worldwide menopause and [perimenopause]( awareness. We asked about the inspiration behind her career shift, and her personal experience navigating the throes of menopause. We also explored how you can advocate for yourself during this phase of life, and much more. Read her super candid nuggets of wisdom below. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: What inspired you to start State of Menopause? And how do you hope folks benefit from it? A: I was inspired to co-found [State Of Menopause]( because 1) no one told me anything about menopause and I had no idea what was happening to me, and 2) I was a beta tester for the brand before I acquired it, and I saw the potential to truly help an overlooked, underserved community in need of education, products, and community. No one wants to talk about this –– how hard it is, what shame and confusion it can instill. Those who are [experiencing] or are going to experience menopause shouldn’t have to dread it, be confused by it, or [be] unprepared for it. Menopause is hard, but it isn't hopeless. And the more we talk about it, and the more we innovate for it, the easier this transition for women who come after us is going to be. My greatest hope is that we give [education]( and agency to people surrounding this very natural life transition, in order to make the best choices for themselves. Q: What are the biggest misconceptions people have about menopause? (For example, menopause isn't confined to 60-something women, nor does it always happen naturally — menopause can be surgically induced, such as after an [oophorectomy](.) A: The biggest MISconception? There's hardly a CONception of what menopause is to most people! I thought it was optional. I thought it happened to old ladies. I didn't know anything. The [biggest misconception]( is [it’s unmanageable]. There are so many ways to manage all of the experiences you may have during menopause. You just have to have the resources and support to know what's out there and what is right for you. Q: If you're comfortable sharing, can you tell us a little bit about your menopause journey and the most important lesson you've learned along the way? A: As I've been quoted saying quite often is that my menopause experience was a tsunami of batshit crazy –– mostly because I didn't know what was happening. I had no education or preparation, and that caused the issues I experienced to feel far more foreign and scary than they needed to. How was I to know that [mood swings](, [hot flashes](, [dry skin](, [food allergies](, [digestion issues](, [joint pain](, and [muscle fatigue]( were all related to menopausal hormonal fluctuation and decrease? I needed someone to connect the dots for me. Any one symptom on its own is easy to dismiss. A broader look at where we are age-wise and hormonally is necessary information. Not all doctors are very forthcoming, because they either don't know about it or don't feel comfortable discussing it. That is unacceptable. [Stacy London] Q: Are there any resources, products, or words of wisdom that helped you manage your menopause journey? If so, what were they? A: Well, obviously I am very proud of our products at State Of Menopause. Our [cooling spray]( is a must. Our [vaginal moisturizer]( we did in collaboration with [In Your Pleasure]( is essential for less painful sex. Our [face oil]( is literally the best oil for dry skin I have ever used. We also recently launched [haircare]( to address menopause's impact on hair hydration, nourishment, and strength. I’ve used lots of products over the years but nothing felt effective. I've tested these products for a year now to get the formula just right. I also love [Elektra Health's 21st Century Guide to Menopause](. [Evernow](, [Alloy](, and [Gennev]( are all great options for those looking into telehealth and [menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)](. And the [North American Menopause Society]( has a guide of doctors who specialize in this specific stage of life. No one really had wise words of wisdom during my menopause journey, unless you think "You'll get through it" is helpful? No. My wise words of wisdom are be proactive in understanding the experience of menopause before you get there. [The more you know](, the easier it will be for you to make smart health choices when you arrive here. Q: What advice do you have to help people advocate for themselves when seeking menopause treatment? A: Knowledge is power. While you may love your doctor, make sure your concerns are not being dismissed. As my friend Dr. Jen Gunter, author of [The Menopause Manifesto](, told me, make a list before your physician appointment of all the things that are going on with you: - How are you feeling physically? What is painful or irritating? - How are you feeling emotionally? - What are you feeling and do you know why? - What's happening in your life? - Are there problems with work? Money? Relationships? Then put these concerns in order of priority. Because time with our doctors can be limited, start with the big things, and even if you only get to the first two, working on those two issues may help to resolve ones that are lower priorities on your list of concerns. If you do have a longer appointment with your doctor, all that information gives your current life circumstances context which helps them heal YOU, the whole person, and not just the problem. great finds Products we love [Voligo Menstrual Heating Pad + Massager Tech]( [Voligo Menstrual Heating Pad + Massager Tech]( Personal massager, meet [heat therapy](. Dear Reader, meet both. Resembling a high-tech fanny pack, this wireless vibrating heating pad has an adjustable belt so you can rock it while you cook, walk, or lay in bed without worrying it’ll fall off. It heats up *quickly* (within five seconds), and a full charge can last up to 2-5 hours. The highest of the three heat settings goes up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lowest clocks in at 104. The soft velvety pad feels comfy but it can become super hot, so it’s best to avoid direct contact with your skin. According to customer reviews, people say it helps to relieve their [Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)](, [endometriosis](, severe cramps, [ulcerative colitis](, and chronic back pain. If you live with any of these health conditions or you’re just looking for some pain relief, consider scoring the benefits of [vibration therapy]( and heat therapy with Voligo’s two-for-one heating pad. [Shop now]( Advertisement [Save on the award-winning 7.0 AT treadmill]( Get the top rated Horizon Fitness Studio treadmill with Bluetooth, dial controls, and more for under $1,000. [SHOP NOW [→]]( [Save on the award-winning 7.0 AT treadmill]( [Menopause vacations are the new wellness retreat]( Trend Alert [Menopause vacations are the new wellness retreat]( Introducing: [Menopause vacations](. What are thooose?! Resorts, spas, and wellness gurus are offering services and retreats specifically for women who are managing hot flashes, insomnia, mood shifts, and other [perimenopause symptoms](. In terms of activities, think yoga and pilates classes, massages, educational sessions from doctors or nutrition experts, and other ways to escape your day-to-day life in a beautiful environment. These getaways might sound lovely but obviously aren’t accessible to everyone –– you’ve got to have the funds and feel well enough to take the trip. Depending on the itinerary and where and how long you stay, costs range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Also, doctors warn that retreat speakers may promote [menopause relief]( products that aren’t backed by science, so be wary and do your research before buying or believing any “miracle” cures. If you can swing it, a menopause vacation could be a nice gift to yourself for navigating this lifechanging period. Or you can always opt for a staycation instead! Book a [spa day]( at a local wellness center, spend an evening [walking along the closest beach](, or send the kids away for the night and [meditate at home](. No matter what you can afford, do your best to prioritize your well-being through the menopause journey any way you can. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] [Can COVID-19 cause your brain to shrink?]( No, seriously. Research is ongoing to see whether COVID-19 is an infectious disease that can cause your brain to shrink. Here’s what it’s finding. [14 health benefits of cinnamon tea.]( Feeling cruddy or crampy? Sipping a hot drink can be soothing. Consider swapping your earl gray for cinnamon tea to boost heart health, hair growth, and brain function. [Medicare Advantage lifestyle benefits.]( What’s Medicare Advantage? And what perks does it offer aside from health coverage? [Learn more here]( and sign-up to receive our new series on Medicare [here](.) Thanks for reading! If you’re experiencing perimenopause right now or you’ve come out the other side (congrats!), we’d love to know your thoughts on these stories. Email us at wellnesswire@healthline.com to share feedback. Have a great weekend, and see you next week. Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by the heating pad that’s relieving my aches and pains right now. [fb]( [tiktok]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( © 2022 Healthline Media 1423 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707