Have you found menopause to be a lonely time? Have you found it hard to connect, have you felt alone and isolated?

Have you found it difficult to talk to friends and family members about your feelings and symptoms?

We can definitely relate to those feelings, when going through the midst of the rollercoaster ride of hormones and emotions.  It is hard to verbalise and communicate with loved ones to tell them how you are feeling, when that menopause mood decides to turn up unexpectedly.  It is also not something that you want to freely admit too as it is seen by others as a negative and a taboo that is not discussed.

Thank goodness for social media and platforms actively encouraging and allowing women to discuss, share and offer advice to others.  Medical, health and wellbeing influencers are able to share their knowledge too which is great! This will help so many women to learn more about their feelings and how to manage menopause.  Doesn’t it feel good to know you’re not alone?

Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

It can be very isolating if you are having an early menopause as we are only too aware of.  You want the support and care from your loved ones and close friends but they do not know how best to support you.  Until recently there is was a lack of information and knowledge available for them to understand. #BBCMenopause and our campaign #UndoTheMenoTaboo hopefully has changed this there is much more information out there now for people to access.

You feel uncomfortable discussing your loneliness as menopause is seen as a taboo subject by many, it is extremely hard to raise during a conversation with friends.  They may not be experiencing menopause so they cannot relate to how you are feeling.

When feeling alone it creates a vicious cycle for family, friends and loved ones and yourself.   Friends, family and loved ones are not quite sure how to talk with you about menopause feelings and symptoms.   This then makes yourself to feel ignored and not being understood. You then distance yourself from friends, family as you feel different and not normal as you are the only person going through this on your own and you feel no one understands your feelings. 

To help you break this cycle of feeling lonely, why not join our conversation and follow PeriMenoPost to help you find other like minded Menos, for support, advice and friendship within a fun, safe and friendly community! Get on board! No one likes to feel left out and alone, so join our #MenoTribe!!!

Why not try this week to join a new adult education class, a new hobby, find a local menopause cafe support group meeting that you can attend to meet others in the same situation as yourself or you could volunteer for a local charity helping others.  Find time also this week to talk to others, a friend, a neighbour or a work colleague or your partner. Making that first step to how you are feeling is the first step to breaking the cycle of how you are feeling and it will help you to feel more supported if you can have a friend onside that can support you and make you feel wanted and involved.

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www.menopausecafe.net has a network of regular meet up events across the UK, if you search for events you will find your nearest available cafe, you can meet other women and talk and eat cake!

www.menopausesupport .co.uk offer’s further helpful advice and support.  #makemeneopausematter campaign.

www.menopausedoctor.co.uk Dr Louise Newson website details more menopause information and runs a menopause clinic.

www.lizearlewellbeing.com Menopause related advice and information, look out for podcasts too.

www.megsmenopause.com Megs Menopause website covers a wealth of information, advice and tips also.

http://www.open.ac.uk Sign up for that course today!

www.meetups.com Why not check out and see if there is a local meet up you in your area that you can meet others.

This week is #LetsTalkLonelinessWeek follow on social media  for more advice and information. @marmaladetrust

Have a super week Menos, share with PeriMenoPost what you achieved this week to break the cycle of feeling lonely.

Hello to all of our readers and followers, apologies for no recent blogs over the last few weeks.  Life has been very hectic! I have been busy celebrating personally and also for my second Daughters graduation from university,  a politics and philosophy degree from York University. I am a very proud mum indeed!! Two daughters have now graduated from university, my eldest graduated from Exeter University with a psychology degree.

It still only feels like yesterday that we were packing for Uni life for both of my daughters with help from the Ikea university checklist of items.  Our car was brimmed full of loaded boxes and the long drive into the unknown. A sense of excitement and nerves but also the intrepidation for the journey ahead with our teenage daughters fleeing the nest. 

During this stage of your menopause,  have you noticed that it has coincided during the busiest time of your life?  Had you once thought much like myself that at this time of our lives, life would be much more simpler and easier? No one mentions how busy life becomes with teenagers,  exams, university, empty nest, work life, ageing parents life seems to be whizzing along very quickly all of a sudden.

Day to day life has somehow become busier, hectic, full on and at times all encompassing?

Is this hormones and mother nature playing havoc here? Certainly does not help at times, whether it is exhaustion, fatigue, a sleepless night or brain fog it can be very frustrating and debilitating.

If you have found yourself suddenly in the midst of perimenopause or menopause and you are having empty nest feelings,  it can be a very emotional time for you. At a time when you are not feeling your best and not quite yourself, it can be very tough.  You will be incredibly sensitive and emotional with your hormones at this stage and it may well feel amplified when your child goes to University.  It is a huge milestone and achievement for your teenager and yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and try to enjoy the process.

Just remember to be kind to yourself as this is a big change for you personally,  physically and mentally within your body and it is also a change within the dynamics of your family, when your teenager leaves for university, change is happening.  

I found it was important to keep my sense of identity, independence and to try and be strong as I could during these times. 

There will be days when it can be tough, with your hormones and feelings,  not every day will be great. Just remember to take each day as it comes and then you slowly get used to the change.  Rely on your support network of friends, family, partner and colleagues. Make this the time that it is important for you and what is going to make you happy and keep you engaged and active.

Pexels

Some ideas possibly:

• Keep yourself active
• Exercise
• See a show
• Meet a friend for lunch or dinner
• A spa day or retreat
• Evening class
• Hobby
• Enrol onto a learning course University, College, Adult Education centre or Open University.
• Set yourself a challenge!
• New Career or start a business
• Holiday with your partner or a solo holiday
• Meet ups – maybe start your own one,  for mums of empty nests!
• Forums – For parents of teenagers at university
• A weekly park run or a charity race
• Plan weekends to visit your teenager, don’t cramp their style though and don’t be too disheartened if they are busy, a quick coffee or lunch and a hug is enough.  You could also plan a trip/event for when your teenager comes home.

It is important to look after your wellbeing and to keep yourself mentally and emotionally fulfilled.  This will help yourself and your Uni teenager to show that you’re coping ok for they will soon be arriving home with the washing! you will then have lots to discuss and catching up will be good fun.

As much as teenagers like to think they are ever so grown up and that they know everything!  They do worry and care about you still, they just don’t like to admit it!

On top of all the celebrations, it was also my birthday recently.  My Husband and myself share birthdays, we’re just one day apart! My birthday felt like it had arrived far too sudden this year and it flew by as quickly as it came.

Birthdays

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Have you noticed that now in menopause you feel slightly differently about birthdays each year? Do you find yourself counting down the years to the next milestone birthday with excitement or dread?   Do you find it yet another reminder on top of menopause that you are ageing and becoming older?

Birthdays are now slightly odd events as you reach a certain age in midlife,  have you also noticed that you don’t really like a big fuss on your birthday? Just an easy stress free day is enough to suffice or do you like to embrace your birthday and have lots of celebrations?

In particular milestone birthdays, when you were younger you would of wanted to celebrate with all your friends and share your day with everyone.  As you age, you simply just want your nearest and dearest with you on your day, easy and simple with no fuss.

Is this mother nature reminding us that we are in fact getting older and as much as we would love to be dancing in Ibiza drinking cocktails into the early hours of the morning!  We no longer have the capacity or neither the energy at our age now to be able to maintain such antics.

Change, you either love it or loathe it.  Personally, I feel change is good !!!

Change happens all throughout life, it is inevitable.   It is best not to fight it, you just have to go with the flow.  It is hard at first but once you accept that your body and age is changing you will suddenly realise that you can look forward and still have fun!!!   Don’t let menopause run your life, be positive and turn this stage of your life into the best times and don’t look back!  

A big, big thank you to Rebecca Weef-Smith at Goldie magazine and to all the team for their splendid magazine this month.

Issue no 5 – Life’s a beach.

PeriMenoPost is featured in this months Goldie Magazine, life’s a beach issue no 5.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share my story of early menopause, retraining with Digital Mums and how PeriMenoPost was born out of personal experience.

Grab your copy today online from Goldie magazine directly or check website (link below) of where to purchase a copy locally to yourself.

Goldie is a great read, it is fashionably bright, colourful, fun and young minded, covering style, fashion, culture, life and love.  Perfect for a nice sunny day in the garden or the beach with maybe a cool drink or a cheeky cocktail or two!

We love Goldie magazine!!  Enjoy reading and have a great week Menos. Let’s hope the sunshine returns this week!

Why is there no alarm bell or no added peer pressure when perimenopause or menopause arrives?There is rather a lack of it?

Definitely no bells ringing, is this a good thing?

Think back to when you were constantly being asked by school friends “have you started your period yet”  That dreaded question, that you knew was coming. Maybe we do need a small reminder or that gentle nudge that perimenopause and menopause could soon be heading our way?

Would you like to have been more prepared and would you have appreciated some relevant information to help you for when the time comes? 

How is it so,  that all women at any age do not mention menopause? It’s quite remarkable that as women we go through our lives, living and dealing with periods and childbirth.  Why do we go silent when talking about menopause? It’s a bit like the childbirth myth, not spoken about until afterwards. 

Firstly, no one wants to admit that they are ageing or having symptoms, we are all guilty of that one! We do need to talk more openly about our feelings and to raise more awareness, no longer keeping menopause shrouded in taboo. It’s time to put menopause into a positive mindset for women, menopause should no longer be silenced or joked about.  It happens to all of us, we need to embrace and accept it.

It is partly due to awareness and a lack of education on the subject of menopause and perimenopause.  For a long while there has been very little available information out there for women until very recently.  Women are now asking more questions, leading the way forward and gaining the correct menopause treatment that they rightly deserve. Menopause campaigners, Diane Danzebrink, Dr Louise Newson, Meg Matthews, Liz Earle and Andrea Maclean have helped to raise menopause’s profile and this is helping to make a difference to many women’s lives.

As a society, everyone is living longer.   Menopause has suddenly exploded onto the horizon as more and more women are now working into an older age.  Whilst running a busy home, a career, children, uni-teenagers, empty nest, elderly parents and life is busy, it’s fast paced and at times overwhelming with stress.  No wonder women are asking more questions and in need of help and support. 

Why not make this week a positive start and talk to friends, family members, colleagues about menopause.  Start asking questions and see what response you have? You could be surprised and also be relieved that you all could be feeling the same way but just too embarrassed to mention.  Give it a try!!!

A group of women who are shouting the word menopause on social media at present are the pausitivity ladies, they’re currently running a fantastic awareness campaign on social media.  A poster/selfie campaign @Pausitvity it’s run by a group of 4 women – @yournewlifeplan @Karen_Kenning @Change_n_thrive @50Sense #KnowYourMenopause

These ladies are committed to helping spread the word “menopause” out there for everyone.  Their aim is to have a poster in every GP surgery. The poster outlines symptoms and gives some informative advice on what to do if you are experiencing symptoms. Why not take your selfie today, with a poster like we did (below) and join in the menopause conversation too!

Head to @pausitivity on Twitter and click to download for the poster, take your selfie holding the poster and simply ask to pin up at your local GP Surgery.

#KnowYourMenopause

Author Jane Lewis of  My Menopausal Vagina book, which highlights one of menopause’s taboo subjects Vaginal Atrophy.   She is raising awareness for an unmentioned and not discussed menopause symptom, Vaginal Atrophy or genitourinary symptoms of menopause.  Head to @mymenopausalvagina on twitter or www.mymenopausalvagina.co.uk then download your copy. Jane would like the leaflets to be featured in doctors surgeries, hospitals and care homes for elderly women to gain access. #vaginalatrophy campaign.

#VaginalAtrophy

This week we posted about an article from @mygenneve @jillangelo @RebeccaCaroe – founder of Faster Master Rowing. The article explains how rowing for women over the age of 40 is fast becoming a rapidly growing sport.   There are many health and wellbeing benefits for women to start rowing as a sport. Not only is it good for fitness and health, it is a great stress buster and a sociable sport that women can meet and make new friends. To read the full article head to twitter @mygenneve

It looks like a challenge may well have been set by ourselves, so watch this space! A gentle nudge and reminder to give rowing a try!

September is all about new beginnings and fresh starts what will you be deciding to do this September menos?

A new feature to our weekly blog, a real life Meno 60 seconds interview!!!!!

Karen Lingard is a PeriMenoPost follower. 

Karen would like to share her story with you to help  other women by talking about the words “perimenopause and menopause”

Karens real life menopause journey, told by Karen, herself.

My journey began a couple of years ago, I started to put on some weight and was then not able to lose it.  I noticed I was sweating more, than the usual. I never thought this had anything to do with menopause, I still felt  far too young. I am 51 years old now, I feel that this age is a blessing. I began to hide my age and I didn’t really want to admit to getting older. Last year I started to feel that something was not right, upon the left side of my tummy, a slight swelling appeared.  I was also experiencing really bad acid reflux which was making me feel quite nauseous a lot of the time.

I was always tired, with no energy.   I knew something was wrong but didn’t know what it could be.  I kept visiting my Doctor but they insisted it was acid reflux.   A blood test revealed that I was anaemic due to the heavy periods I had endured. Having had a colonoscopy and endoscopy, I still felt unwell.   My lower back and my joints were burning and were very painful, my Doctor sent me to have x rays and ct scans, just to be sure that there was nothing sinister happening. During this point, I became quite anxious I became convinced that it was something sinister as I knew my own body. I was given anxiety tablets from my doctor.  I had never experienced anxiety before, I had never suffered with stress. I just knew there was something more. 

I could not eat fatty foods, this would make me feel sick, my joints became painful and with a burning sensation.  It was affecting my quality of life, work and my family life. I decided to pay privately for more scans and tests. My results showed that I was suffering from endometriosis and that I was in fact perimenopausal.  Once treated for endometriosis, I began my own research of how to manage perimenopause. After reading Meg Matthews website, it seemed to mirror my own personal experience. During those four months, I had a feeling that I was going mad. I laugh now with friends about my A&E trips as I genuinely believed something was seriously wrong with me. I’m usually a rational person, but it seemed to take over my life. I manage my symptoms with taking regular vitamins to help,  such as 3000mg of evening primrose per day, magnesium, cod liver oil, vitamins, vitamin D and calcium. Eating a healthy diet helps, ensuring that I eat all the right foods. I manage my symptoms with plenty of regular exercise and looking after my health and well being.  

A big thank you to Karen Lingard, for sharing her personal journey of endometriosis and perimenopause.   We can relate with Karen’s story with many doctor trips, A&E and interestingly diet too was a factor. If you are experiencing symptoms, NICE guidelines online gives a guide on menopause to help you.

PeriMenoPost will now be featuring every week within our blog a real life interview with one of our cherished followers.  A bit of fun, embracing and accepting a positive attitude towards menopause and spreading the word that it’s ok and normal to discuss menopause.

#UndoTheMenoTaboo

PeriMenoPost 60 Second interview with real life

#Menowarriors

1) Best Part of menopause?

    Able to understand, talk and accept my coming to terms with menopause.

2) Tell us your best #Menomoment?

My funniest  #Menomoment, upon reflection and which I now laugh about has to be the trips to A&E .  Friends joke, telling me that I am barred from A&E!

3) What has been the worst part of your menopause?

The bloating and change to my body.

4) Have you taken the NHS or Private Health route to treat your menopause?

Initially self funding privately,  I am now treated within NHS.

5) Have you been supported within your workplace?

Yes. 

6) HRT or natural/alternative treatment for Menopause?

Natural.  

7) What advice would you give to a younger you,  prior to Perimenopause and Menopause?

Information and awareness would have helped me during this time, as I felt I was in the dark.

8) Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Same, I’m now in a much happier, healthier place.

9) Who would you like to give a shout out – a mention too? Who has been supportive and instrumental in helping you through menopause?

Finding Meg Matthews website, www.megsmenopause.com –  I stumbled upon her Instagram page. Bupa healthcare were very helpful. 

10)Who is your favourite #Menowarrior?

Meg Matthews 

Created by PeriMenoPost

If you would like to be interviewed for our weekly real life Meno 60 second interview,

contact  – 

@PeriMenoPost -Twitter

@perimenopost -Instagram

@PerimenoPost – Facebook

Look out for some exciting PeriMenoPost news soon  – more information coming soon via social media!!

Competition time – Enter our competition to win yourself an #UndoTheMenoTaboo T-shirt!!! Simply retweet this week’s blog and the winner will be chosen by Friday 30th August 2019 Midday 12pm. Terms and conditions – below.

#UndoTheMenotaboo

Please read these terms carefully before entering the competition. 

Entering the competition constitutes an acceptance of these terms and conditions.

The Competition is only open to (UK RESIDENTS)

The Competition is open to any resident of the United Kingdom over 18 years of age

Automated or bulk entries from third parties will be disqualified.

 ● We reserve the right to exclude serial competition entrants who have entered more than 4 competitions in the last month. 

● There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

The Competition opens on (25th August 2019 13.45pm) and closes (30th August 2019 MIdday 12pm )

Entrants can enter at any point between these dates.

To enter the competition entrants will need to like the post and follow us

● Entrants can only enter the Competition once, but can like, regram/repost  comment, tweet and RT as many times as they like

● The winner will be selected (Selected at random from list)

The winner will be selected at random from the list of entrants. Names will be entered into a spreadsheet and numbered and a member of staff that has not seen the spreadsheet will choose a number between x and y who shall be the winner.

● The winner will be notified by DM within 2 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner. The winner will be notified via DM on Instagram within 14 days of the closing date.

● The prize for winning the competition will be (White Printed T-Shirt Value RRP 15.00GBP) 

 ● The Prize as stated and cannot be sold or exchanged for cash, goods or services. Unless specifically agreed in writing by PeriMenoPost) ● The Prize is not transferable and must be accepted by the winner

PerimenoPost reserve the right to use the voice, image, photograph, name and likeness of the winners for publicity and in advertising, marketing or promotional material without additional compensation or prior notice to the winners. In entering the Competition, all participants consent to such use of their voice, image, photograph, name and likeness. 

● Copyright of any material produced as part of the competition is owned by PeriMenoPost  and/or its content suppliers.

 ● Unauthorised use of the material produced as part of this competition, including reproduction, storage, modification, distribution or publication without the prior written consent of PeriMenoPost  or, where applicable, the respective competition entrant is prohibited. 

● Where you are able to submit any contribution to this competition you agree, by submitting your contribution, to grant PeriMenoPost  a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, sub-licenseable right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, play, and exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to your contribution worldwide and/or to incorporate your contribution in other works in any media now known or later developed for the full term of any rights that may exist in your contribution. If you do not want to grant PeriMenoPost the rights set out above, please do not submit your contribution to PeriMenoPost 

● By submitting your contribution to PeriMenoPost  you warrant that your contribution is your own original work and that you have the right to make it available to PeriMenoPost for any or all of the purposes specified above. Furthermore, you warrant your contribution is not defamatory, does not infringe any law, you indemnify PeriMenoPost against all legal fees, damages and other expenses that may be incurred by periMenoPost  as a result of your breach of the above warranty and waive any moral rights in your contribution for the purposes of its submission to and publication on the Site and the purposes specified above.

 Data protection

 ● You consent to your first name, photograph and social media handles about you being disclosed on PeriMenoPost digital channels or other media if you win any Prizes under the Competition

 ● Any personal data relating to participants will be used solely in accordance with UK data regulations and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent. To find out more about what data we hold and how we process data please read our privacy policy We follow Instagram Privacy policy, details will be destroyed 14 days after competition ends.   

● By entering the Competition, you agree that PeriMenoPost  may contact you in relation to the Competition. Absolving responsibility of the social platforms

 ● This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, platform x (INSTAGRAM   or any other social network General liability cover ● PeriMenoPost do not accept liability for any damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, indirect or consequential damages, loss of profits, or any damages whatsoever arising out of, or in connection with the competition. ● Except in the case of death or personal injury arising from its negligence, or in respect of fraud, and so far as is permitted by law, periMenoPost  and its associated companies and agents and distributors exclude responsibility and all liabilities, whether direct or indirect, arising from: ● any postponement or cancellation of the Competition; ● any changes to, supply of or use of the Prize; and ● any act or default of any supplier, which are beyond PeriMenoPost

This past week at the PeriMenoPost home has been through more change, no 2 daughter has now moved into a flat with no1 daughter.  No 3 son has just had his first festival!!! Hand is on the mend too!

Looking forward to hearing all their news, oh how to be young again!!

As always Menos, have a super week and wishing you all a fabUlous bank holiday weekend!!

Enjoy the sunshine.

PeriMenoPost is pleased to announce the launch of www.perimenopost.com!!! Wahoo!!!!

If you have been following PeriMenoPost on social media you’ll know that not only do we talk socially about Menopause on all things digital but we can also help your business/brand to talk menopause friendly too!

I am Lorna Ive Founder of @PeriMenoPost and a digital mum graduate.  PeriMenoPost can help your business to grow with strategic social media management. 

I had a bolt of inspiration to help other women going through all stages of menopause.   I wanted to create an online tool to help provide women with a friendly, fun and informative community. Navigating women through the rollercoaster ride of menopause with the help of social media platforms, Twitter – Facebook and Instagram with a weekly blog and competitions.

Perimenopost began as my campaign in January 2019 for my digital mums training, I was then able to put my lightbulb idea I had formed into action!!  Perimenopost has helped to make menopause become more accepted and discussed in social conversations online and in real life. 

Is your brand talking menopause friendly?

Do you have a business or brand that you feel can help women manage their perimenopause or menopause  journey? Are you a brand that would like to reach out to the menopausal woman?

No longer a taboo, menopause conversations are now taking place. Let your business join in the conversation and help to raise brand awarenes and helping women at the same time.

Let perimenopost take your brand to the next level and create a winning formula!

Perimenopost is a resource for women to use online to be a part of a friendly, fun and informative community, to gain further information and understanding with a postive mindset helping to make informed choices. 

Contact PeriMenoPost today.

www.perimenopost.com

@PeriMenoPost twitter

@Perimenopost instagram

@PerimenoPost Facebook

Starting the conversation about all things #earlymenopause #Perimenopause #Menopause and #postmenopause.  Breaking down the taboo one post at a time ..

Real life Meno 60 seconds Interview 

Real life Meno 60 Seconds interview

This weeks real life meno  60 seconds interview guest is our competition winner Samantha Evans @samtalkssex

Congratulations and well done Samantha !!!

Our #UndoTheMenoTaboo T shirt is on its way to you!!

#UndoTheMenoTaboo

Samantha Evans would like to share her menopause journey with you and share with you her commitment to raising awareness and helping women about sexual health, intimacy and to not suffer in silence.   Read Sam’s story …..

I’m Samantha Evans co-founder of Jo Divine, an online sex toy company, with my husband Paul in 2007. I’m 51, menopausal, married with three teenagers.

Having a professional background in nursing, I’m a features writer for Jo Divine and work with many healthcare professionals in the NHS and private practice to help them advise their patients about regaining sexual function and enjoying sexual intimacy and pleasure through the use of suitable sex toys, dilators and sexual lubricants.

With an extensive knowledge about sex toys and sexual lubricants, I advise women going through the menopause and beyond about ways to enjoy sexual intimacy and pleasure as this is often a time when many couples give up on their sex lives due to the impact of menopausal health issues that affect their intimacy and pleasure.

I really enjoy sex but spent many years in my 20’s and 30’s suffering from recurrent thrush, bacterial vaginosis (BV), cystitis and urinary tract infections that led to vaginismus which nearly destroyed my sex life due to using poor lubricants such as KY jelly adn other well known brands which contain glycerin, glcyols and parabens all of which irriate the tissues of the vagina and vulva, disrupting vagina pH and can cause thrush. To overcome the issues of recurrent thrush or BV I would use well known feminine hygiene products bought over the counter and still recommended by GPs everywhere that actually exacerbated the problem as so many of them contain the same ingredients that were causing these recurrent infections!

The only advice I got from a gynaecologist at my local hospital was to iron the gusset of all my knickers which is useful advice but he never discussed my sex life or the use of lubricants. 

This is why I’m passionate about educating women about ways to enjoy sexual intimacy and pleasure when menopausal and midlife sexual isues such as vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, painful sex, low libido and decreased sexual sensation occur, issues that many find embarrassing to talk about, all of which can impact upon sexual intimacy and pleasure and lead to people giving up on their sex life when there are simple practical things they can do to keep enjoying sex. For me, sex is fun, messy, noisy, intimate and most of all pleasurable.

Twitter @samtalkssex

@samtalkssex @jodivineuk Instagram jo.divine

1) Best Part of menopause?

Not giving a hoot about what people think about you, I have gained so much confidence and hopefully encourage other women to speak out, seek help and not suffer in silence or from embarrassment especially when it comes to enjoying sex.

Meeting all the fabulous women through campaigning for better education and care for women. Everyone has their own story to tell and has used it to improve their own quality of life and that of women everywhere.

2) Tell us your best #Menomoment?

Being part of the Latte Lounge Panel in aid of the Eve Appeal in July with Liz Earle ( huge fan of her products), Athena Lamnisos (CEO of Eve Appeal) Dr Louise Newson ( leading menopause GP), Katie Taylor (founder of the Latte Lounge) Diane Danzebrink (founder of Menopause Support) and Jane Lewis (author of Me & My Menopausal Vagina)

Seeing a medical professional panic when they can’t turn off the sex toy you’ve put in their hand  at a conference/talk. This happens quite often and always makes me smile!

3) What has been the worst part of your menopause?

Walking out on my husband and sitting in a local wood among the bluebells crying for more than 3 hours earlier this year due to feeling completely overwhelmed and incredibly sad. I think I’m quite confident and practical, always trying to rationalize things, probably as I have a nursing background yet this completely derailed me. I always ask my children and husband where they are when they go out yet I turned off my phone and no one knew where I was and I made them frantic with worry. Something I still feel really sad about. We all ended up talking and things are better now.

4) Have you taken the NHS or Private Health route to treat your menopause?

I have to admit  as a former nurse I had no idea of some of the symptoms of menopause such as  palpitations, itchy skin, joint aches and pains, painful breast, ect. I started to see my male GP with these symptoms about a year before I was told I was menopausal. He was hopeless, refusing to acknowledge when asked, if these were menopause symptoms and prescribing inappropriate medication which exacerbated my symptoms. Luckily we have a female GP with an interest in women’s health in my GP practice so  I took my symptom checklist Diane Danzebrink recommended I do but she didn’t look at it, within minutes of chatting she said you’re menopausal and she has been fabulous ever since. 

5) Have you been supported within your workplace?

My husband and I co-own Jo Divine and work from our home office but he is just brilliant, he’s got used to my lapses in concentration. It helps our office looks out onto the garden and I go and sit outside, have a cup of tea whenever I want to.

6) HRT or natural/alternative treatment for Menopause?

HRT patches x 2 weekly to protect my heart, bone, vagina and bladder health, Vagifem (local oestrogen for my vagina) x 3 weekly.

Natural products include YES organic lubricants and vaginal moisturisers as they are free from glycerin which can cause thrush, glycols that irritate the tissue of the vagina and urethra and parabens which are oestrogenic and have no place inside our bodies, also pH balanced to that of the vagina. 

Having had my sex life and vagina health destroyed in my 20’s and 30’s by KY jelly, well known lubricant brands and feminine hygiene products I wanted to ensure that I could continue to enjoy sex through menopause and beyond.

7) What advice would you give to a younger you prior to

Perimenopause and Menopause?

Get educated about the symptoms of the peri/menopause because I had no idea that many of my symptoms were perimenopausal, educate your children and partners, ignore all the negative menopause coverage in the media ( I wrote an article about how I was having better sex in my 40’s than my 20’s after seeing yet another photo of a sad women sitting ont h end of the bed in the Mail online whcih ended up in the Mail online!) and numerous websites/celebrities touting products for the menopause to vulnerable women that are often detrimental to health or offer no benefit.

8) Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Still enjoying great sex and helping more women  (and their partners) to enjoy sexual intimacy and pleasure too. Hopefully will have written my  book about owning Jo Divine and being a sexual health and pleasure expert.

9) Who would you like to give a shout out – mention too? Who has been supportive and instrumental in helping you through menopause?

I’m so lucky to have met and now work with amazing women campaigning for better education for everyone, including medical professionals, especially GPs so big shout out for Dr Louise Newson, Diane Danzebrink, Jane Lewis, Katie Taylor and Rachael Egderton plus my lovely husband Paul and three teenage children who are fabulous. 

10)Who is your favourite #Menowarrior?

Can I have two? Diane Danzebrink #Make Menopause Matter campaigner and Jane Lewis, they have become firm friends and we can talk about anything, Jane and I are vagina warriors, she and I will never stop talking about vaginas, vulvas and sex!

Thank you Sam for a great interview about your journey and your fantastic campaigining for sexual health awareness which is helping so many women to regain their sex lives.

Photo by Fathi Vee on Pexels.com

This week is sexual health awareness 16th Sept -22 September 2019.

If you’re experiencing symptoms due to menopause and it’s affecting your sex life, you will find some more information from the following sites;

      www.jodivine.com                  www.fpa.org.uk www.brook.org.uk

It is also Gynaecological cancer awareness month #GCAM

To help you gain more information the following sites have plenty of support and advice to help you.

@eve appeal   www.eve.co.uk

@vulvacancerUK  – Twitter 

@wombcancersupportuk Twitter /www.wombcancersupport.weebly.com

@jotrust – Twitter/www.jotrust.org.uk

@ovariancanceractionuk- Twitter / www.ovariancancer.org.uk

@targetovariancancer twitter / www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

@macmillancancer www.macmillan.org.uk

It’s menopause awareness month and we are very pleased to announce a well woman event!!

A little surprise in store as PeriMenoPost will be present too, come and say hello and join in the conversation about all things menopause.

Bella Vou Clinic, the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells is holding a well woman event. An evening of empowering and informative talks by womens health specialists.

The event is to be held at the Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG

26th Sept 7-9pm with host of speakers including question and answers.

Dr Marilyn Glenville PHD the UK’s leading nutritional specialist in women’s health will be discussing how to balance your hormones.

Dr Gail Ball is an experienced GP working within the NHS  for womens health and sexual health in Brighton for 18 years. 

Samantha Evans @samtalkssex @jodivine our competition winner!! Will be discussing sexual health and intimacy. 

Pip Salmon is a clinical specialist physiotherapist an expert in pelvic floor and urinary incontinence.  Pip will be sharing some tips and advice to help manage symptoms and giving you the confidence back to feel comfortable with your body.

Sandrine Gasnier the founder of Sandrines Pilates will be sharing some helpful exercises to regain pelvic floor muscle and strength, helping to control bladder, bowels and sexual energy.

Sue Hutchings owner of Knowle Grange Health Spa will be offering mini massage treatments during the event, Sue is a Reiki Master, Kinesiologist and personal trainer.  Sue will be offering treatments during the evening event.

Nicola Pinkney is a MLD/DLT therapist who trained in the DR Vodder method of MLD for manual lymphatic drainage and decongestive lymphatic therapy. Nicola will also be providing treatments for the event.

PeriMenoPost will be joining in with questions and answers, so come and say hello!

www.bellavou.co.uk

Tickets are available from events@bellavou.co.uk or from www.eventbrite.co.uk/bellavou 

Look forward to meeting you there Menos.

Competition time!!!!

If you would like to enter our weekly competition and win yourself an #undothemenotaboo t shirt, to enter you need to like our blog and then retweet or repost! you will be entered into a lucky dip.  You may also be next weeks real life 60 seconds meno interview guest!!

Terms and conditions for competition;

Please read these terms carefully before entering the competition. 

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The Competition is open to any resident of the United Kingdom over 18 years of age

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Have a super week menos, keep shouting the word menopause out there!!

All of us together,  we can normalise and make menopause become accepted within society.  Contact PeriMenoPost today to talk menopause.

Has the menopause changed your relationship with your partner?  Are you at a crossroads with your sex life due to menopause?

When menopause arrives it can unexpectedly create a curve ball within your relationship.  You are suddenly dealing with your hormones that are changing constantly, going up and down and with it the many added physical symptoms. 

It is of no surprise that your relationship with your partner may become strained during this time.   It is important to talk to your partner and tell them how you are feeling and for you both to be patient and understanding.   Your partner may be feeling completely at a loss too, with the sudden change in your relationship.

It’s important that you talk with your partner and your Gp about your symptoms.  

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com

During this time of change, why not try something new as a couple? Dancing, exercise togther – set a challenge and why not sign up for a race or event.  Discover a new hobby, see some shows, concerts or take a spontaneous trip somewhere.

A positive mindset and talking to one another can help you get through this time, it is another chapter of your journey together try and make time to have some fun.  

Enjoying Midlife Sex

By Sam Evans

We are very fortunate this week to be able to share with you a great blog from Samantha Evans, PeriMenoPost is proud to call a Menomate!

Twitter – @samtalkssex @jodivineuk  a sexual health and pleasure expert. 

Sam Evans lives locally in Tunbridge Wells and is a passionate advocate for ensuring women are correctly informed about their sexual health,  she works tirelessly to ensure that women do not suffer, are in no pain or discomfort and that they are able to enjoy a fulfilled sex life. I have had the pleasure of hearing Sam talk at a local well woman event and Sam is great fun, incredibly knowledgable about all things sex, sex toys and lubricants.   Sam is dedicated to making a change to womens sexual health and helping couples to be just as intimate as they always have been. 

If you have experienced issues with intimacy and if your sexual health has been affected, read sams article.  Sam provides positive, informative and helpful suggestions to help you regain a healthy sex life again.

“Samantha Evans”:https://www.jodivine.com/authors/samantha-evans co-founded Jo Divine, an online sex toy company, with her husband Paul in 2007 which only sells skin safe sex toys and sexual lubricants. 

Having a professional background in nursing, she is a features writer and sexual health and pleasure expert for Jo Divine. She works with many healthcare professionals in the NHS and private practice to help them advise their patients about regaining sexual function and enjoying sexual intimacy and pleasure through the use of suitable sex toys, dilators and sexual lubricants.

With an extensive knowledge about sex toys and sexual lubricants, Samantha enjoys creating informative, practical articles about sexual health and pleasure which endeavour to normalise sex, help people to talk about it and discover ways to enjoy sex in whatever way they want to or are able to. She has also been featured extensively in the media

As a menopausal woman she also advises women going through the menopause and beyond about ways to enjoy sexual intimacy and pleasure as this is often a time when many couples give up on their sex lives due to the impact of menopausal health issues that affect their intimacy and pleasure.

As we get older our sex drive and sexual sensation can change, especially when dealing with a myriad of perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness or atrophy, decreased sexual sensation or low libido making sex feel painful, uncomfortable or simply not working for you anymore.

Often women give up on sex or continue to endure painful sex which is neither pleasurable, good for their vagina health or their relationship. Women who previously had a good sex life may get frustrated that the menopause has impacted upon their sex life in this way too.

However with a few tweaks to your relationship and the way in which you enjoy sexual intimacy and pleasure, you can continue to enjoy sex, even discovering new ways to make it more pleasurable

Talk to your Partner

This is the commonest reasons why couples give up on midlife sex because they are unable to talk to each other. Your partner probably has no idea about how you are feeling and may think you no longer love or desire them so it is important to tell them why you do not want to have sex or why it no longer feels pleasurable.

Over time, our sexual tastes, sensation, stimulation and attraction change so explore new ways to enjoy intimacy. What might have worked for you or your partner in the past may not work now so show each other where and how you like to be touched, make sounds of pleasure to encourage them when they hit the right spot. Try new positions, prolonged foreplay, quickie sex, simple sex toys, enjoy hotel sex, whatever makes you both feel good.

Share your fantasies, you may discover that some of them are the same. You might even want to act some of them out too!

Use A Good Lube!

Vagina dryness affects women of all ages due to hormones, breastfeeding, medication, cancer treatments, stress, anxiety and especially the ageing process.

One simple way to make sex feel pleasurable, last longer and promote vaginal lubrication is to use lubricant. Do not think of lubricants as just fixing a problem, using a good pH balalanced sexual lubricant can make “ok sex” feel great.

I put YES organic oil based lubricant on before foreplay to get things going which really helps, you may only want to apply it for penetrative sex or other sex play, experiment with what works for you. Always stop if sex feels painful. 

It may take time to get used to using a sexual lubricant for both you and your partner which is why it is important to use a good sexual lubricant, a product free from irritating ingredients that has been designed for sex play, not something from your bathroom or kitchen cupboard. Many couples try a lubricant, find that it causes irritation or even thrush, think all lubricants are the same which is not the case so avoid lubricants.

Using a pH balanced lubricant such as YES organic lubricants and vaginal moisturisers, free for irritating ingredients not only makes sex feel more pleasurable and last longer but also keeps your vagina and vulva happy and healthy, especially as we get older.

A Healthy Vagina is A Happy Vagina

Many people care about what they eat or use on their face, hair and body but do not give a thought to what they are putting on their vulva and inside their vagina or anus yet these are highly absorbent and sensitive intimate parts of our body.

Having had my own sex life and vagina health destroyed in my 20’s and 30’s by using KY and other well known lubricant brands and feminine hygiene products still available on the high street today which caused recurrent  thrush, bacterial vaginosis ( a vaginal infection with a fishy smell which requires anitbiotic treatment), cystitis and urinary tract infections this led to vaginismus whereby the muscles of the vagina constrict, making penetration either impossible or feel painful.

Through my own research and discovering “YES organic lubricants”:https://www.jodivine.com/articles/sex-tips/want-better-sex-use-lube I found that many commercial lubricants/moisturisers and feminine hygiene products contain ingredients including glycerin, propylene glycol, parabens, perfume and dyes in addition to “tingling” or “warming “ ingredients which can irritate the tissues of the vulva and vagina, disrupting the delicate pH of the vagina which may cause thrush or bacterial vaginosis, especially if you are prone to these infections.

Many water based formulations have a high osmolarity so exacerbate vaginal dryness by drawing moisture from the walls of the vagina not hydrating them.

Always check the ingredients before you buy or ask your GP before they prescribe you a product and do a skin test before rubbing it over your clitoris, nothing worse than an itchy or stinging vulva or vagina!  Be aware that some well known brands do not put the ingredients on the box or label so choose a product that has an ingredients label.

Feminine hygiene products, scented menstrual products and perfumed condoms are completely unnecessary as our vaginas are self cleaning and all you will do is disrupt the vagina pH which will lead to irritation, an infection and make your vagina/vulva feel sore.

I keep my vagina and vulva happy by using YES oil based organic lubricant for sex and when using sex toys, YES vaginal moisturiser twice weekly and Vagifem, a local oestrogen pessary three times weekly. For those worried about using HRT, local oestrogen is not absorbed systemically (into the bloodstream), it is absorbed directly into the walls of the vagina and into the skin of the vulva, replacing the depleting oestrogen to keep the skin healthy and flexible. The depleting oestrogen makes the tissues of the vagina and vulva shrink and thin, leaving them feeling sore, less well lubricated and the vagina tightens, making penetration feel sore or painful. It can also lead to thrush or other vaginal infections and irritation. Local oestrogen is the equivalent of taking one HRT tablet each year so an incredibly small amount of oestrogen which can make a huge difference to your vagina/vula health and your sexual pleasure too.

Regular Orgasms are Good for You

Orgasms are fun, free and good for your health! 

Enjoying regular orgasms with a partner or during solo play using your fingers or a sex toy can increase your vaginal lubrication, help you begin to feel more sexual if you are struggling with your libido, reduce stress, boost immunity, keep you looking young and exercise your pelvic floor. Orgasms can also improve the quality of your sleep, a common problem during menopause, as the release of feel good endorphins induces a state of relaxation helping you drift off.

Often during menopause our ability to orgasm may take longer or it may not feel as pleasurable so I often recommend using a “simple bullet vibrator”:https://www.jodivine.com/articles/buyers-guides/bullet-vibrators either for solo play or with a partner. Small enough to slip between yourself and your partner, bullets can also be used on partners with a penis and on nipples too.

Men can benefit from enjoying regular orgasms because they can improve prostate health and help to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Regular ejaculation flushes out prostate fluid in the prostate gland which can stagnate and become inflamed leading to an enlarged prostate which causes pain, increases the need to pee and difficulty in emptying the bladder.

Kick start your Libido

Sometimes it can be really hard just to make the effort to have sex so take the focus of penetrative sex if this is how you normally enjoy sex with a partner and enjoy non penetrative sex play. Enjoy kissing, cuddling, body massage, gentle touch with fingers, silky ribbons, feathers, mutual masturbation with a good pH balanced sexual lubricant, nipple play. Having regular orgasms can help to kick start your libido and arousal so indulge in a long bath and take your favourite waterproof sex toy with you, grab some self care time alone or share your sex toy with your partner. Show them how it works for you, use it on their body.

Exercise those Pelvic Floor Muscles

Regular pelvic floor exercises can make orgasms feel stronger and help incontinence issues. However, some women have a tight pelvic floor which can make penetrative sex feel painful. If you are unsure how to do your pelvic floor exercises or if you think you have a weak or tight pelvic floor, a pelvic health physiotherapist is the best person to see. They are the experts in pelvic health and will be able to assess your pelvic floor muscles, offering practical exercises to strengthen or release your pelvic floor. Many work in the NHS so ask your GP to refer you. You can also self refer to those working in private practice too.

Explore Sex Toys

Incorporating sex toys into your sex play can help you enjoy new ways to be intimate and discover new sexual sensations especially if you find yourself struggling to orgasm or it takes longer due to decreased sexual sensation. 

A simple bullet vibrator is small enough to slip between you and a partner to enjoy clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex or foreplay. You can use it on yourself, get your partner to use it on you or play with it on their body.If vaginal tightness is an issue, using a slim vibrator or dilator with plenty of lubricant can help stretch the vagina walls, making them more flexible and penetrative sex feel more pleasurable.

Vibrating constriction rings are a great way to help a man maintain his erection, last longer and offer clitoral stimulation at the same .

Sex is not just penetration – enjoying prolonged sex play might be all you want. Explore sex toys, oral sex, bondage, nipple play, mutual masturbation, kissing and intimate massage.

Don’t give up on your sex life, talk to your partner, use a good pH balanced sexual lubricant, masturbate more, explore sex toys, do your pelvic floor exercises, be imaginative, adventurous and have fun in whatever way feels pleasurable for you!

At Jo Divine we believe that sexual health and sexual pleasure go hand in hand and have created a health brochure with suitable products to help people with sexual issues. Working with medical professionals, we hope to encourage patients and HCPs alike in talking more freely about sexual problems. A health issue doesn’t mean your sex life will have to stop!

Thank you Sam for your helpful and informative feature, women will now be informed and have the knowledge to ask their health care professional more questions and gain the correct course of treatment that they rightly deserve. 

You can follow Sam on Twitter @SamtalksSex  @jodivineuk or via her website for products and information www.jodivine.com / Instagram @Jo.divine

This week’s real life meno 60 seconds interview guest is Jo Moseley, AKA the Paddle board super hero!

Jo is the first woman within the UK to stand up paddleboard –  S U P from coast to coast!!

One awesome real-life meno warrior!!!

Since turning 50, Jo has begun her personal quest and journey of paddleboarding and helping to clean up the environment along the waterways as she travels.  Jo takes you on a journey aboard her paddleboard, giving you a refreshing view of life upon the UK’s waterways, scenery, seasons, every type of weather and the wildlife she encounters along the way.  Her passion is clear and is infectious, making you feel that you too could jump on a paddleboard, enjoy nature and join her on her mission to help make a difference to the environment.

Jo is passionate about the environment and is actively involved in the #2minutebeachclean and also an active member of the wave project, a surf therapy charity for children in the UK.

This year saw Jo complete the #paddleboardthenorthchallenge!!  It was a joy to follow her adventures via social media. Adding to Jo’s talents and comitment to her cause she has just won the 2019 Smart award for Best Bradford Film!!  Congratulations Jo we are all behind you, all the way!

Nothing is going to stop Jo, not even menopause! She is enjoying this stage of her life and being able to experience the freedom, joy, exhilaration and the feeling of being alive out on the water.  Read Jo’s menopause journey and how she has found a new sense of energy and zest for life.

Jo Moseley @Healthyhappy50

#2minutebeachclean #paddleboardthenorth

2019 Smart Award winner Best Bradford Film

1) Best Part of menopause?

Ooh interesting! I think because the perimenopause broke me when I was already down, the healing & learning is the best part. I had to start looking after myself because I was at such a low point & that has been an interesting & empowering journey. I’ve made friendships, learned skills, gone on adventures & found my creative & personal voice. 

2) Tell us your best #Menomoment?

Ooh I think paddleboarding into Goole this summer in a huge thunderstorm followed by a beautiful rainbow. I had completed my 162 mile coast to coast fundraising & litter picking adventure. As the first woman to do so & at 54, it made me feel like I had achieved something not just for me but for women in their 50s and those going through the menopause. 

3) What has been the worst part of your menopause?

Sleepless nights, crippling anxiety, joint pains & feeling like I was lost.

4) Have you taken the NHS or Private Health route to treatyour menopause?

I haven’t really been treated with either route. I’ve researched & found my own answers. I am however aware that I am very fortunate in that I’ve been able to do this. If I were to seek treatment, it would be NHS.

 5) Have you been supported within your workplace?

I haven’t really needed to ask for support. I work in a very kind environment anyway so I am fortunate. My colleagues do comment on how warm I like to keep my office and why I am wearing 3 jumpers in summer! I get cold flushes! 

6) HRT or natural/alternative treatment for Menopause? 

Lifestyle changes: exercise, vitamin D, nutrition, sleep, stretching, less stress, gratitude, magnesium, sports massages. 

7) What advice would you give to a younger you prior toPerimenopause and Menopause?

Look after yourself more! Put yourself on the priority list! Move, say no to things that don’t bring you joy, stop volunteering for everything, be kinder to yourself, go to bed early. You don’t have to be superwoman! Also read up on the perimenopause & what it’s all about. You think you have to do everything on your own as a single Mum but you don’t. It’s ok to ask for help. Look after your bone health! 

8) Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Ooh I hope taking women out on the water on Paddleboarding retreats, litter picking, stretching & having delicious food. Helping women feel like warrior women on the water. Spending more time at the coast & in the sea. Writing & speaking about adventures, wellbeing in menopause & midlife purpose & reinvention.

 9) Who would you like to give a shout out – mention too?

Who has been supportive and instrumental in helping you through menopause?

Ooh great question! Definitely a shout out to Deborah Garlick of Henpicked. I think they were the first online community I discovered who even talked about the menopause openly. I learned so much and was grateful to contribute to their book. That was 4 or 5 years ago. Rachel from Magnificent Midlife has been sharing huge amounts of very valuable information for years too. Also Jo & Anne from Positive Pause and Jane from Meno & Me for inviting me to talk at their respective menopause events this autumn. A privilege & honour. Angela from Behind The Woman is brilliant too. My friend Sam Bunch who wrote a fab, funny book Menopause – A Hot Topic. Basically, we are lifting and supporting each other. 

10)Who is your favourite #Menowarrior?

Ooh Jane Dowling. She gives 110% every day on social media. Sharing her journey, answering questions, supporting and just being incredible. Her exercise videos on Instagram are so helpful. Such a star! 

Thank you Jo for your story, we are looking forward to hearing about your sup adventures! The retreats sound great, keep us all posted.

You can keep up to date with Jo’s adventures and follow her at;

Twitter @Healthyhappy50 

 Instagram @healthyhappy50

Would you like to be our next real-life meno 60 seconds interview guest?

If you would like to win a t-shirt and if you have enjoyed reading this weeks blog. 

All you have to do is enter our competition!!!

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Retweet our post to be in with your chance to win yourself a #UndoTheMenoTaboo t-shirt and be our real life meno 60 seconds interview guest!

Terms and conditions for competition;

Please read these terms carefully before entering the competition. 

Entering the competition constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

The Competition is only open to (UK RESIDENTS)

The Competition is open to any resident of the United Kingdom over 18 years of age

Automated or bulk entries from third parties will be disqualified.

 ● We reserve the right to exclude serial competition entrants who have entered more than 4 competitions in the last month. 

● There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

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 ● You consent to your first name, photograph and social media handles about you being disclosed on PeriMenoPost digital channels or other media if you win any Prizes under the Competition

 ● Any personal data relating to participants will be used solely in accordance with UK data regulations and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent. To find out more about what data we hold and how we process data please read our privacy policy We follow Instagram Privacy policy, details will be destroyed 14 days after competition ends.   

● By entering the Competition, you agree that PeriMenoPost may contact you in relation to the Competition. Absolving responsibility of the social platforms

 ● This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, platforms Twitter and INSTAGRAM   or any other social network General liability cover ● PeriMenoPost do not accept liability for any damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, indirect or consequential damages, loss of profits, or any damages whatsoever arising out of, or in connection with the competition. ● Except in the case of death or personal injury arising from its negligence, or in respect of fraud, and so far as is permitted by law, PeriMenoPost  and its associated companies and agents and distributors exclude responsibility and all liabilities, whether direct or indirect, arising from: ● any postponement or cancellation of the Competition; ● any changes to, supply of or use of the Prize; and ● any act or default of any supplier, which are beyond PeriMenoPost 

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Christmas is fast approaching,  the season will soon be upon us, how does this make you feel menos?

Are you already feeling the burden of all the season necessities falling on your shoulders?

Are you aware of what is giving you stress or anxiety for the christmas season?

This week give yourself some time to sit down and make a christmas plan to help you manage through christmas, identify what is already causing you stress? 

Make a plan to delegate jobs, if you are sharing christmas with family members.  Schedule in time for you to take a break, a walk in the fresh air, a quiet time to read a christmas novel or magazine.  Set yourself limits as to how you want to spend christmas, practice self care even if it means you need to take a nap if your body is tired!

Remember how important selfcare is when managing menopause symptoms and how to look after yourself with some early nights, healthy eating and exercise this will all help to make you feel so much better. 

Have a super week Menos, stay positive!!!!