Six things I do to make the menopause more bearable

Olivia Falcon October 11, 2024

Olivia’s Menopause Cribsheet.
Six things I do to make the menopause more bearable

I was first alerted to the horrors of the peri-menopause and menopause by my friend Meg Matthews, who struggled for years with most of the 35 symptoms (yes, there are really that many – I’ve listed them below). Meg eventually took a deep dive into rebalancing her body.

The first thing to say is everyone’s menopause story and symptoms are different, but here are six things I’ve found that have really helped me on my journey. Feel free to dip in and try what works for you:

1. Patches Rather Than Gels

I first started using Oestrogel late last year, which I applied to my forearms and inner thighs. While effective, it required drying time, adding stress to an already busy morning, and I also worried about hormone transfer onto my bedsheets (especially since my bed is often shared with my husband, two children, and one cat).
A few months ago, I switched to the more precise Estradot, a small, waterproof patch applied to alternate hips that only needs changing twice a week: less mess, less fuss.
On the topic of patches, if you’re suffering from heavy, irregular, or painful periods, check out Ross Barr’s Period Patches (£15 for a pack of 7 at rossbarr.com). These warming herbal patches are worn on the back or tummy and really help ease cramps. Patches are the way to go!

2. Complexion Clearing with Topical Hormone Creams

One of my peri-menopausal symptoms was an annoying patch of dry skin on my forehead, making foundation application a nightmare. However, I was recently prescribed a topical, low-dose oestrogen cream (compounded by Rosewood Pharmacy via Dr. Martin Galy), which has made all the difference. It also works wonders for smoothing crow’s feet and the small lines around the lips.

3. Black Cohosh for Night Sweats

Hot flushes, hot flashes—whatever you call them, they’re very real and often indicate dipping progesterone levels. If you’re not ready for HRT, try Black Cohosh, a potent herbal supplement from the buttercup family. It has been used to treat everything from musculoskeletal pain to menstrual irregularities and is particularly effective in easing the heat of menopause. However, it’s not recommended for those with kidney or liver issues.

4. Magnesium for a Deeper, Longer Sleep

You’ve probably heard this before, but Magnesium really is brilliant for reclaiming that elusive 8 hours of sleep. I sleep sounder and longer when I take Viridian Magnesium B6 and Saffron, as evidenced by my Oura Ring. Viridian uses three different forms of magnesium to deliver the most effective high-strength dose. (£28 at viridian-nutrition.com)

5. Addressing Hair Shedding

Hormonal fluctuations often lead to excess hair shedding, which can be alarming. After much research, the best solution I’ve found is Calecim Advanced Hair Regrowth Serum, a serum-enhanced, microneedling-based treatment that uses stem cell science to rejuvenate dormant hair follicles and restore a healthy hair cycle. It works wonders for both men and women. (£365 at editorslist.co.uk/service/calecim-professional-stem-cell-hair-revitalisation)

6. Laughing

Belly laughing is essential during menopause. For those days when you’re not seeing the funny side of life, here are some of my favourite mood lifters:

Boxsets:
- Motherhood | Netflix
- Catastrophe | Netflix
- No-One Wants This | Netflix
Insta Accounts:
- #BatShitBonkersBritain – the news, but not as you know it

Having seen a number of menopause ‘experts’—many of whom were less than helpful—I’ve thankfully landed with Dr. Martin Galy at 23MD. He has been the best listener, the straightest talker, and his HRT plan suited my body perfectly.
Click here if you’d like me to connect you with him.