Just recently I’ve been listening to a couple of talks about the menopause. One from my brilliant local health shop (Inside Out Health) which talked about what sort of diet, exercise and supplements you can take to get you through. The second talk was run by Allbright and was hilariously frank. It was hosted by Zoe Hardman (of Take Me Out amongst loads of other TV programmes) and Dr. Shahzadi Harper, and covered early menopause, egg harvesting and the best lube to buy. It was brilliant to hear so many women open up about a topic, which for some reason seems to be the last taboo.

I think it’s really important to do your homework with this sort of stuff – find out what’s available to you and if you’re feeling crap, make sure you get something to help you. Did you know there are THIRTY TWO symptoms of the menopause?!!! Yes, you read that right – THIRTY TWO. Which seems a little harsh given all the other crap we have to put up with. On the upside, not everyone has a sweaty hot flush shocker, quite a lot of women seem to breeze through it unscathed.

I’m not qualified to talk about diet, supplements, exercise or HRT. But after listening to the talks, I thought I’d share some tips I picked up and some stuff I’m already doing.

I’m 52 and perimenopausal. I don’t feel terrible. I’ve gained some weight, but I sleep ok most of the time, I have the occasional hot flush, but nothing to really complain about. The main symptoms for me have been anxiety, fogginess, inability to make decisions and feeling murderous. (Fatty, Drowsy, Sweaty, Anxious, Foggy, Stressy and Murderous – The Menopause Dwarves?)

After my first bout of feeling murderous I actually went in to our local health shop (the afore mentioned Inside Out Health) and said I feel like I might kill my husband, please help me (sorry if you’re reading this Rob). After some nervous laughter, they gave me the Pukka Menopause supplements below. Now, when I feel like killing him I take one of these and it levels me out. I actually went back in to the shop and thanked them for saving my husbands life. They let out a collective sigh of relief. There are other menopause supplements out there, so if these don’t do the job, keep trying.

Pukka Menopause Serenity Supplements £16.95

I haven’t tried this yet, but I have recommended Prai before. It’s a quality brand and their Menoglow range is getting rave reviews. This claims to cleanse, soothe, balance and moisturise temperamental midlife skin. Available exclusively at Marks and Spencer.

Prai Menoglow Gentle Rebalancing Creme Cleanser £20

Moving on to hot flushes. Become Clothing is a brand that specialises in clothes which are proven to reduces hot flushes and night sweats. They make nighties, leggings, vest tops. But it was the knickers that caught my eye. I’m obsessed with VPL (only my own, I don’t stare at other peoples) and so I prefer knickers without any seams. But you can never get seamless cotton knickers. These look like a good solution. Actually, looking at them here, they may be bordering on bloomers, but I gave up wearing thongs years ago. Every now and then I happen on a pair in my undies drawer and pick them up and laugh – they look like cheese wire. What was the point of even wearing them?

Become Anti Flush Low Rise Brief £13.95

The jury is out on whether you need collagen during menopause. General opinion is that you need it more after you’re out the other side. This was recommended by Zoe Hardman who went through early menopause. I’ve signed myself just be on the safe side. It’s too early to tell if my skin/hair/nails look any better. But it does taste nice.

Kollo Liquid Marine Collagen £29.87 for 14 day supply

If you want more info, this are loads of places to get it. This was one of the books recommended.

The Perimenopause Solution by by Emma Bardwell and Dr Shahzadi Harper £11.65 (out 22nd July)

Apparently they are going to put menopause on the national curriculum. Which may seem odd, but some women have really early menopause (like early 30s) and miss the chance to have children. I think making young girls aware that this is possibility can only be a good thing.

I’m not sure how I’ll feel about not having periods anymore, when it does eventually happen. Less like a woman? Or will I just feel free?

P.S. Zoe Hardman did not name any particular lube brands – she merely stated that the over the counter brands are no good and you need to buy online and spend more money. Just in case you were wondering. I don’t have lube answers, so don’t ask me.