Menopause is something all women will go through in their lives, it is a normal part of ageing for women. Some women don't experience any symptoms or have very mild ones, while others this time can be fraught with uncomfortable physical and emotional changes. Dr. Wolff's Vagisan and Plantur are here to break the taboo of not talking about menopause and help you navigate this life transition.

What is Menopause

Menopause is clinically defined when a woman has not had a period for 12 months. This is not something that happens suddenly. Your body will transition through the stages of premenopause, perimenopause and menopause. This transition can last anywhere between 7 to 14 years!

Common symptoms that are reported during the transition:

- Changes to mensuration - Cycle length and bleed may change. Spotting and irregular or amenorrhea (missed periods) may occur. Any changes to your menstural cycle should be looked at by a doctor.

- Hot Flashes - These are one of the most complained about symptoms from menopause as they can continue for years after menopause has occured. They can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes and can occur at any time day or night. Dressing in layers and carrying a portable fan can help manage these hot flashes wherever you are.

- Hair thinning and hair loss - The changing balance in oestrogen and testosterone can wreak havoc on your hair. Hair on your head can start to become thin, fragile and may even break and fall. You may even notice as the hair on your head starts to thin it may appear in other places such as your chin or lip. Plantur 39 was specially designed for women over 40 to help strengthen thin and brittle hair. With its Phyto-caffeine formula to nourish and strengthen your hair.

- Bladder Control - Incontinence or loss of bladder control is common in females as they age. This due to a number of factors, from the weakening of the muscles in the pelvic floor due to ageing and the stress of childbirth that can cause damage to the muscles. Infections of the bladder, kidneys and Vagina can easily spread and can affect bladder control, any sudden changes should be looked at by a doctor.

- Trouble with sleep - Changing hormones during menopause can cause a poor nights sleep due to changes in mood, hot flashes and uncomfortable or itchy vaginal area due to dryness. Lack of sleep can leas to many other problems during the day of forgetfulness, irritability and more. Following a regular sleep schedule, keeping a cool bedroom with breathable bedding and pajamas and avoiding blue light before bed can help with sleep issues.

- Vaginal Health - The decreasing oestrogen during menopause can lead to thinner, drier and less elastic vaginal tissue. This can cause Vaginal dryness which may result in pain, itching and painful intercourse. Using a cream like Dr. Wolff's Vagisan Moisturising cream which can be used internally and externally can help relieve these symptoms and make sex a less painful experience again. It can be applied daily or as needed before sexual intercourse.

- Weight gain - The changes in hormones can also lead to changes in weight, muscle to fat ratio and bone density. There are a lot of changes that can start to occur. Regular exercise including strength training can help to strengthen bones and keep the weight gain at bay.