Now that we’ve established the fact that I’ve been through menopause TWICE, let’s talk about a few things you might need to get you through this period.

I am not a doctor. I’m not a stylist or a handyman. These things must be said as I get ready to drop my list, just in case. 

I think folks are familiar with some of the symptoms of menopause, right? Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness (aka Sahara vag), mood swings, bone loss, etc. etc. etc. It’s an all-out party, don’t you think? Unfortunately, I can’t make it go away. But, I can try and give you a few pointers on what might make it easier as you navigate the physical manifestations that I’m sure everyone has warned you about. 

New Night Clothes

You might have some of those cute matchy matchy jammies that make you feel warm and fuzzy and comfortable at night. For the time being, let’s set those aside. In the closet. On the top shelf. For like, the next year or so.

What you’re going to need during this period of hormonal mourning are simple, thin night things. Depending on your home situation, you might want to forego all forms of clothing at night but, if you’re not in the mood to have your child all up in your business and sleeping under your left boob then, light cotton tops, pajama shorts and the like is what I’d recommend.

Wi-Fi Thermometer

You might think I’m just being extra: 1. You’d be write and b. it’s TOTALLY necessary. Nothing like feeling as if you are being set on fire from the inside out in the middle of the night only to be able to roll over, grab your smart phone and adjust your AC from the comfort of your puddle on the bed.

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Because you NEED to stay hydrated and I detest lukewarm water. I’m sayin’. Staying hydrated is important during every season of your life but especially when you are drying up (quite literally) from the inside. 

Staying hydrated helps with digestion, can help lower blood pressure, helps with fatigue, poor mood and, hello?! You need it to live! Need I say more? A good bottle reminds my foggy brain that I need to drink. A good stainless steel water bottle means my water is chilly at all times.

Also, there's nothing better than reaching for a cool drink of water after adjusting your AC. Trust me!

A Fan

There are many, many things you can find in my car (and my purse, which is basically a microcosm of the happenings in the car). One of those happens to be a good ol’ fashioned fan. I don’t know why these haven’t made a comeback but I am positioning this suggestion in the hopes that we can start a revolution.

You don’t have to be someone’s grandma in church to carry a fan. Though, I’m sure if we study the history of fans, we will find ourselves face to face with menopausal women that caught the hot flashes AND the holy spirit in church, thereby facilitating all those pretty fans (and the paper ones with lovely advertisings on the back).

There are plenty of pretty fans you can carry in your purse (or keep in your car, office, etc). Think of it as another fashion accessory. Better still, you won’t believe all the great conversations you’ll strike up when folks ask you about your fan. Win-win, you ambassador of menopause you!

NOTICE: KINDRA DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR HEALTH CARE ADVICE.  OUR EMPLOYEES AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES ARE NOT PHYSICIANS OR HEALTH CARE CLINICIANS.  YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN FOR ANY MEDICAL AND/OR OTHER HEALTH CARE ADVICE BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY KINDRA OR ANY OTHER SOURCE.

Tags: About Menopause Anxious Dry Skin Fatigue Foggy & Unfocused Hair Loss Hot flashes Joint Pain Low Sex Drive Managing my Hormones menopause 101 mind Moody & Irritable Night Sweats Painful Sex Sad Stressed Trouble Sleeping Vaginal Dryness Weight Gain