Menopause is something we will all go through. Each of us will experience the menopause transition in our own way and with our own combination of symptoms.

In my experience, and in listening to the stories of others, the effects of menopause arrives in all sorts of ways. It can sneak up on us. Symptoms may come and go. You may be lucky and get through this time relatively easily, or it may turn your life upside down.

I started making products to support women through menopause because back then, even a few years ago, it wasn’t talked about so much. Yet women who had come to know the products I was making and the supportive services I was offering, asked if I could develop products to help them.

And the things that was spoken of most, was vaginal dryness.

Until we experience it for ourselves, it can be hard to comprehend how much impact this condition can have on all aspects of our life. It can affect our physical state, our mental wellbeing, it affects intimacy and our intimate relationships. But help is at hand.

Since first developing and launching NatFem Balm back in 2017, it has helped many women, and my hope is that it may help you too.

NatFem Original Balm and Original Oil give you the option of choice. They’re natural. They don’t contain hormones. They are free of nasties like glycerin, steroids or parabens. You can use them instead of a hormonal cream or pessary; or you can use them alongside them.

They can be used for daily comfort. Or for special moments.

Helping women as hormones change

Vaginal Dryness

The thing that makes NatFem Botanics perform so well, is that Original Balm and Original Oil are made in way that works with the vaginal and vulvar biome, not against it. We carefully and slowly infuse plant oils with medicinal herbs selected for their special properties that support a healthy and happy vagina and vulva. We put good stuff in, and leave all the bad stuff out. And we make it so it is hormone-free, which is an important consideration for many women.

Both the Oil and the Balm have the same healing herbs, including calendula, plantain and gotu kola.

If you don't want a product that contains coconut oil or beeswax, then select the NatFem Oil. The Balm and the Oil are made for intimate areas, but this means they can also be use anywhere else on the body.

Meno Body & Beauty

We have other products in the NatFem range that have also been created in response to effects of hormonal changes. These include a beautiful face serum, a dreamy sleep balm and a superb healing balm to help manage skin breakouts, eczema and psoriasis and coldsores, which we noticed seem to occur more as hormones shift and change.

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“If you have yet to be called an incorrigible, defiant woman, don't worry, there is still time”

― Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Five Quick Meno pointers:

1. Perimenopause

Perimenopause - means "around menopause“. Also called the menopausal transition.

2. A wide age range

Women start perimenopause at different ages. You may notice signs sometime in your 40s. Can be as early as their mid-30s. Research shows around 40 – 60% women will find themselves dealing with menopause symptoms including vaginal dryness.

3. Estrogen

The level of estrogen — the main female hormone — in your body rises and falls unevenly during peri-menopause which is why it can be such a rollercoaster, but even with the variances, estrogen is slowly but surely declining. What you may not realise is that every cell int he body has hormone receptors which is why falling estrogen levels can create so many symptoms (see below) as different parts of the body react to the drop in levels.

4. Menopause

Menopause - defined as the time when there has been no menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months and no other biological or physiological cause can be identified. We also think of this as 'postmenopause', which means we've been through the process of hormonal shifts and periods ending.

5. Fertility

In perimenopause our periods can become very erratic. They're a bit like buses - you don't see one for months and then all of a sudden four come along at once! Fertility however, continues until 12 consecutive months have passed without a period.

Menopause symptoms can include:

Anxiety and fear

As we go through menopause our adrenals have even more work to do than normal as they deal with hormonal changes. They can easily become depleted and when that happens anxiety and fear can step in. Our flower essence blend, tinctures and dietary tips can help bring the sun out again.

Support from the NatFem collection: Meno-Mind, Transition Drops, Day Balancing Tincture, Night Tranquillity Tincture.

Atrophy (vaginal)

As oestrogen levels drop, vaginal dryness and atrophy can occur. The walls of the vagina can thin and become very delicate, leading to tearing and splitting and this is known as atrophy. We made NatFem balm to help with this problem and we also have lots of tips for natural ways to keep things juicy in our blog and podcast.

Support from the NatFem collection: Super-Soothing Balm, Original Balm, Transition Drops

Brain fog

The reality is we can all have good days and bad days, and brain fog can come and go at the best of times. Don’t forget that at the time of life that we go through menopause, there is generally a lot going on in our lives: family, relationships, career, health… we’re juggling so many things. So be kind to yourself. Write lists. Take time out when you can. Harness the power of positive affirmations.

Support from the NatFem collection: Day Balancing Tincture, Night Tranquillity Tincture, Meno-Mind

Breast tenderness

Breasts can become tender as hormones shift. They can also become very tender when going on to HRT and finding the right dose for you.

Candida

Hormonal changes during menopause can impact the biota of the vaginal environment and changes can result in an increase in conditions such as candida.

Support from the NatFem collection: Super-Soothing Balm, Original Balm

Depression

So often menopause is seen as an ending, rather than a beginning and this can affect our state of mind, along with the effects of hormonal shifts. If you are not coping there is nothing wrong with seeking help and support. You don’t have to struggle through this alone.

Support from the NatFem collection: Meno-Mind. See also our talks and meditations.

Fatigue

Interestingly women who have had their menopause transition medically induced tend to suffer more from fatigue than women going through it naturally. Night sweats can also contribute to broken sleep and exhausted days. NatFem herbal tinctures may help keep energy balanced, as will exercise and getting rid of stimulants like coffee.

Support from the NatFem collection: Sleep Balm, Night Tranquillity Tincture, Transition Drops

Fibromyalgia

Muscles can respond to hormonal changes, which can lead to pain and inflammation. Sleep loss can make you ache, and these factors can all impact you as you go through menopause. Exercise, magnesium and massage are just some of the things that can help.

Support from the NatFem collection: Aches & Pains Oil

Headaches

Some women experience headaches for the first time during menopause, while others find menopause actually brings a stop to headaches and migraines they have suffered with for years. Headaches and migraines are a common side effect of HRT/ERT.

Heart palpitations

These can start occurring with menopause, but usually are related to electrolyte imbalances from fluid loss if you sweat frequently or heavily. We love plant allies like Motherwort which help bring balance to the heart and to calm stress.

Support from the NatFem collection: Transition Drops, Day Balancing Tincture

Hot Flashes

These can really be something. We’ve found that it is helpful to keep a hot flash journal so that you can take note of when they occur, as it may help with the why. A burst of adrenaline can cause blood vessels to dilate and boom – there comes the hot flash, or night sweat if it is at night.

Alcohol, anxiety are just a couple of common contributing factors. We’ve also found that they were easier to deal with when ‘going with the flow’ rather than trying to fight them.

Support from the NatFem collection: Day Balancing Tincture, Night Tranquillity Tincture, Transition Drops

Libido

Some women will experience changes to their libido as they go through menopause - and that's a natural part of this change. We think of libido as a fine wine - it may sit in the cellar for awhile gathering cobwebs, but eventually something beautiful will emerge!

Lichen Sclerosus

Onset is commonly postmenopausal, a relative lack of oestrogen may be significant. Lichen sclerosus primarily involves the non-hair bearing, inner areas of the vulva. It can be localised to one small area or extensively involve perineum, labia minora (inner lips) and clitoral hood. It can spread onto the surrounding skin of the labia majora and inguinal fold and, in 50% of women, to the anal and perianal skin. Lichen sclerosus never involves vaginal mucosa.

Lichen sclerosus can be extremely itchy and sore. Sometimes bruises, blood blisters and ulcers appear after scratching, or from minimal friction (eg, tight clothing, sitting down). Urine can sting and irritate. Sexual intercourse can be very uncomfortable.

NatFem has helped a number of women with this problem.

Support from the NatFem collection: Original Balm, Super-Soothing Balm, NatFem Oil

Menstrual irregularities

As we go into perimenopause changes can occur to periods. They can become very irregular, change duration and flow. See your doctor if things are getting difficult to manage.

Support from the NatFem collection: Transition Drops

Osteoporosis

Regular exercise, whole foods and nourishing herbs can help women keep osteoporosis at bay. Exercise is a post-menopausal woman’s friend as it helps make bones thicker and more resistant to breaks.

Painful sex

Dryness and atrophy due to menopause can make sex painful. Dyspareunia is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse.

Support from the NatFem collection:

NatFem Original Balm, Super-Soothing Balm and NatFem Oil may help reduce pain and discomfort.

Both are lovely to use during intimacy (as long as you’re not using condoms) and can help soothe any vaginal and vulval pain after sex.

Sleep disturbances and Insomnia

YFor many women, insomnia and sleep disturbances can increase with the onset of menopause. Night sweats can wake us up, anxiety and nervous tension can make us toss and turn. There are usually several factors at play so keeping a menopause journal that helps you track patterns of sleep disturbance alongside other things going on in your life and in your diet can help you spot patterns and find the key to unhitching this wagon.

Support from the NatFem collection: Sleep Balm, Night Tranquililty Tincture, Transition Drops

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)

Changes to the pH level of the vagina and the thinning of vaginal walls can create conditions for UTI’s. Glycerin which is an ingredient in water-based lubricants can also feed ‘bad bacteria’ and become a catalyst for UTIs.

See the blog about this here.

Support from the NatFem collection: Original Balm, Super-Soothing Balm

Weight gain

This is a natural part of the menopause transition. A healthy diet, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water can help manage this.

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