Menopause is a ‘hot topic’ right now, with awareness of the impact it can have on the lives of women and people with ovaries thankfully on the rise. We spoke to the Lush Menopause Community Group to find out their top product recommendations to help provide relief from their menopause symptoms.
There are many symptoms and side effects caused by the hormonal changes that menopause brings. These include:
- Insomnia or poor sleep
- Hot flushes or night sweats
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Dry or itchy skin
- Hair thinning or loss
- Lack of libido and self-confidence
- Neurological and mental impact
There is no one size fits all experience of menopause or perimenopause; it affects everyone differently. Some people are barely affected, while others suffer greatly from symptoms that alter their quality of life. Whichever category you fall into, we’ve set out some product recommendations to help.
Insomnia or poor sleep
Sleep disturbance, poor sleep, and even insomnia can be experienced during perimenopause and menopause - in fact it affects 8 out of 10 people.. Setting a relaxing bedtime routine can help you to switch off and, hopefully, sleep a little deeper. It’s important to create a bedtime ritual that you can do every night - even on weekends. Sleeping and waking at the same time can also also help as it programmes your mind to release the correct hormones at the right time, strengthening your internal body clock (also known as circadian rhythm).
We suggest taking a warm bath with a Deep Sleep bath bomb, or shower with products from the Sleep Better collection.
Twilight body spray can be used as a pillow spray as well as a beautiful bedtime fragrance.
You can also relax by following one of our massage bar tutorials on YouTube, such as Self Massage for Sleep and Relaxation, using Deep Sleep magnesium massage bar. When tested, 81%* of product testers found their NHS sleep score improved after four weeks of using this massage bar.
Hot flushes or night sweats
It’s thought that between 60% and 80% of people experience hot flushes and night sweats during menopause. A hot flush is a sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body; usually most intense over the face, neck, and chest. Night sweats are hot flushes that happen at night, which may disrupt your sleep..
Although other medical conditions can cause them, hot flushes most commonly are due to menopause. The duration, intensity and frequency varies, but most sufferers experience them daily.
Refrigerated Breath of Fresh Air toner water is great when a hot flush appears, as patchouli reduces body temperature, rosemary clears the mind, and rose releases dopamine. Some recommend a spritz of Dirty body spray on the neck, chest, and wrists in the midst of a flush, while others opt for minty Tingle body conditioner straight from the fridge. The cooling properties of eucalyptus, peppermint, and spearmint and soothing nature of witch hazel make After massage bar the perfect choice for application during a hot flush.
Applying Silky Underwear or Sleepy Dust dusting powder before bed can buy a little more time asleep before the discomfort of night sweats kicks in.
Muscle aches or joint pain
It is thought that 7 out of 10 women and people with ovaries experience joint pain during menopause. A drop in hormones - particularly oestrogen - can lead to some people experiencing effects of fibromyalgia, all over body pain, fatigue, aching muscles, and even osteoporosis.
Salt Water Soother bath bomb is part of our magnesium range, and will rejuvenate with magnesium magic. The anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties of arnica make Pink Peppermint foot cream a staple.
Massaging with effective products is also an excellent way to relieve joints, muscles, and areas of pain or concern. Apply to the whole body or specific areas causing pain and allow the massage bar and essential oils to work their magic. This can be done frequently throughout the day when needed, or - for ultimate impact and indulgence - after a warm bath to help soothe the body. Wind down by following one of our massage bar tutorials on YouTube, such as Self Massage for Achy Joints in Hands, Arms, Legs, and Feet, using Joints massage bar from our CBD range.
Dry or itchy skin
During menopause, hormonal changes include a loss of oestrogen; a hormone that is related to the production of collagen, which is an essential building block of healthy skin. Oestrogen is also related to the production of the natural oils that keep your skin moisturised. A lack of collagen and natural oils can cause skin to become thin and itchy.
There are lots of options to moisturise the body. Bathing in Ceridwen’s Cauldron bath oil is a treat, followed by Dream Cream or Charity Pot lotion or Therapy¿ massage bar.
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the face too. Angels on Bare Skin or Ultrabland cleanser, Eau Roma toner water, and Skin’s Shangri-La moisturiser for example. Using Full of Grace facial oil as a night serum or under a mask such as Catastrophe Cosmetic will give a boost of hydration to soothe itchy skin. Don’t forget the rest of the face! Lip Service lip balm will deliver extra moisture to parched lips.
Hair thinning or loss
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), commonly presents in menopause. When levels of oestrogen drop, hair follicles that are predisposed to be sensitive to testosterone start to become smaller and produce finer hairs. If someone is using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or an oral contraceptive, they can check with a medical professional that it is a hair-friendly variety.
High levels of stress can trigger hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and shed, so we can recommend taking the time for self care and relaxation. A diet rich in protein, iron, and complex carbohydrates is also important.
Although this form of hair loss is genetic - we have many products that can help keep the scalp and hair healthy and add volume and body. However, it is important to seek advice from a doctor or trichologist if someone is concerned about hair loss.
Minty and moisturising, Roots scalp treatment will boost scalp circulation. New shampoo bar’s peppermint and nettle are great for the hair and scalp, while Wasabi Shan Kui shampoo contains wasabi and menthol to stimulate the scalp, and salt for body and volume.
Valkyrie conditioner is packed with natural protein to strengthen the hair structure, meaning less breakage, and Super Milk conditioning spray detangles, protects, and primes thanks to moisturising nut milks and olive oil. Henna hair colour coats the cuticles to add body, thickness, and shine, while being gentle on the scalp.
Lack of libido and self-confidence
Many people find that their libido, or sex drive, changes during menopause due to decreased hormone levels. Most common is a loss of libido, however, some experience an increase. Alongside hormonal fluctuations, physical symptoms such as vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, and hot flushes may mean you’re less likely to be in the mood. Tiredness and a lack of energy due to disrupted sleep and night sweats can also be a barrier to sex.
Many women and other menopausal people experience a drop in self-confidence while adjusting to the appearance related changes that the hormone fluctuations of menopause can bring. While this is not a direct link to loss of libido, it certainly doesn’t help. The most common blockers to self-confidence are hair thinning, skin issues, weight gain, bloating, and brittle nails.
Radiate confidence with the Validation Facial Spa treatment; a deeply beneficial, luxurious 60-minute bespoke facial massage. With seductive jasmine, rose, and oud in its fragrance, soaking in a Goddess bath bomb makes you feel like one. A scent that inspires power and confidence, Lust perfume is a bold, warm floral to help you face anything.
Connect with a partner by following one of our massage bar tutorials on YouTube, such as How to Give a Neck and Shoulder Massage, using sensual ylang ylang and jasmine packed Sex Bomb massage bar.
Neurological and mental impact
‘Brain fog’ and memory loss
The hormone oestrogen has many positive impacts on the brain; increasing blood flow and supporting memory. A natural decline in oestrogen during menopause can often impact brain function with many people reporting memory issues and ‘brain fog’ (a term to describe poor concentration, confusion, and slow, fuzzy thinking).
Stress, anxiety, and depression
Hormone-related stress can be a vicious cycle, with unpleasant symptoms causing stress, which then comes with its own physical and emotional symptoms. When oestrogen decreases so does ‘happy hormone’ serotonin, and a hormone called cortisol begins to increase. Elevated cortisol levels are known to increase irritability and anxiety, as do symptoms like hot flushes. Although depression isn’t caused by menopause, it is thought that about 20% of people experience depression during this time, due to the overall impact.
First and foremost we recommend speaking to a medical expert about these symptoms. We do have a range of products full of ingredients known to clear the mind and lift the mood somewhat.
Not Sleepy shower bomb contains petitgrain to alleviate mental fatigue and lemongrass to clear the head. Boost productivity and improve mental focus with eucalyptus- and rosemary- packed Clear the Air Lush Melt.
4:20PM CBD bath bomb from our CBD range contains 25mg of mind-soothing cannabidiol. The Spell Spa treatment will spirit away worries through a deeply relaxing massage treatment. With neroli and orange flower to calm and lift the mood, Happy Happy Joy Joy is an apt name for this conditioner. If you’re looking for a lift, spritz yourself with the happy orange scent of Sun perfume to put a smile on your face.
You can find all of the products mentioned above on our website and our app, or you can speak to a member of staff in our shops. The important thing to remember is you’re not alone and we’re here to help.
