An estimated 13 million of us here in the UK are currently experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause*. It’s a huge life transition, but one that many of us are ill prepared for – after all, we rarely learn much about the last period when we’re covering the basics of puberty at school.
So what are the common symptoms we’re likely to experience as we transition towards menopause, and how can WUKA help make the journey a little less bumpy?
48 symptoms of menopause
You read it right. There are a staggering 48 symptoms associated with perimenopause, but not everyone will experience them all. Just as our menstrual cycles are unique to us, our transition towards menopause will be individual too. And there’s no denying that the varying symptoms of menopause can be challenging – it’s a time of huge changes, both physically and emotionally.
Yes, there is still work to be done in opening up the conversation so that we can all understand these symptoms better, but it has to be said that we’ve come a long way already. There are brands out there who are truly passionate about highlighting this life stage, creating products that are designed to make the transition easier to navigate.
How WUKA helps with common symptoms of menopause
Here at WUKA, our award-winning products have been recognised as menopause friendly – with MTick accreditation from GenM, the UK’s leading menopause partner for brands. Read on to discover our top picks, and how they can help combat the most common menopause symptoms.
Hot flushes
We’ve all heard of hot flushes, and that’s because it’s one of the most commonly discussed symptoms of perimenopause – one that can have a significant knock on effect on sleep quality too. Up to 61% of us report sleep disturbances** thanks to hot flushes and night sweats, yet doctors still aren’t 100% sure what causes them.
But all hope is not lost, as there are things you do at home to ease hot flushes during menopause. At bedtime, keep a window open to allow fresh air into the room, and keep bedding light too. For sleepwear, choose breathable fabrics such as cotton or Lyocell, which is a plant based fabric sustainably sourced from Eucalyptus trees.
Our new Sleepwear for Menopause Collection (from £40 wuka.co.uk) is made using Lyocell, and features Freshtech™ technology to keep the body up to 2.5° cooler at night. The collection includes a stylish Jersey Sleep T-Shirt dress and Jersey T-Shirt and Shorts set – ideal for anyone losing sleep over hot flashes at night. The Jersey T-Shirt and Shorts can also be bought separately, to mix and match.
Heavy periods and intense cramps
Periods can be really unpredictable during perimenopause. We’re talking heavy flows one month, versus no flow the next. We’re also talking intense period cramps. Not a fun time.
One way to deal with the uncertainty of exactly when your next period might turn up can be to opt for eco-friendly reusable period pants. Worn like normal underwear, these pants have a highly absorbent gusset which allows you to bleed straight into them – ideal for those days where your period appears without warning!
Our world first multi-size Stretch™ Period Pants ( from £14.99 wuka.co.uk) are a great option.
Available in light flow for spotting and discharge, all the way up to super heavy flow (the latter can hold up to 12 tampons worth of blood, and can be worn for up to 24 hours without leaks or odour), each pair stretches up to four sizes, so you’re always guaranteed a perfect fit – whether you’re in-between sizes, bloated or gaining weight. Genius!
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be really common during perimenopause and menopause, thanks to a drastic decrease in oestrogen which can lead to a weakening of pelvic floor muscles and loss of bladder elasticity. But before you cancel your tickets to that comedy gig, there are remedies you can try at home to deal with light leaks and dribbles.
Regular pelvic floor exercises are a must, and practising good hygiene down there is essential too. If symptoms are impacting on your daily life, make an appointment to speak to your GP for other treatment options. You don’t have to just put up with bladder leaks!
That said, there are products that can help you to manage your symptoms.
Introducing our innovative DryTech™ Incontinence Pants ( from £21.99 wuka.co.uk).
Using the same Stretch™ technology as our period pants, these multi-size, reusable pants are designed to absorb up to 50 ml urine. Featuring Polygiene OdorCrunch™ technology to keep you feeling fresh and odour free, and Polygiene StayFresh™ for hygienic freshness, these pants are super discreet and comfy.
Breast changes
Breast changes are less commonly discussed, but many of us will experience this symptom during menopause too. Whether it’s sagging (thanks to loss of skin elasticity), increasing in size (thanks to weight gain), or tenderness (thanks to an intensifying of PMS symptoms), breast changes can be a pain to deal with.
It’s important to check your breasts regularly, and never skip a mammogram when it’s offered. If you notice any changes such as a rash, pain, lumps, dimples or puckering, make an appointment with your GP as soon as you can.
It’s also a good idea to choose comfortable, well fitting underwear too. Go for soft fabrics that will allow your skin to breathe, and styles that will support your breasts. We love our Everyday™ Bralette (£25 wuka.co.uk) for this reason – it’s soft, supportive and made using eco-friendly Tencel™ Modal, which means it’s three times softer than cotton, and helps to regulate body temperature too.
Skin sensitivity
Noticed your skin itching, or feeling dry lately? You’re not alone. Skin sensitivity is another common menopause symptom, and yes – that goes for the skin on and around your vulva too. Once again, soft and breathable fabrics are a must – which is why our Stretch™ Cotton Period Pants ( £19.99 wuka.co.uk) are just perfect for anyone with a cycle and sensitive skin.
Made using super soft organic cotton, these pants are hypoallergenic and breathable, allowing air to circulate and your skin to breathe. And like the other pants in our Stretch™ collection, these multi-size pants will gently stretch up to four sizes in one pair, giving you a seamless and second-skin fit every single time.
@wukawear
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