Probably one of the most irritating issue women have with menopause are hot flashes. Some women don’t have them but others have many. They wake up from sleep covered in sweat to the point they need to change their sheets. Worse, they might be in public when a hot flash hits and they are immediately covered with sweat and overcome with the desire to jump in an ice-filled lake. Thankfully, there are ways to be more comfortable as you go through this transition.
Technology has created some wonderful fabrics that wick away sweat from your body allowing you to stay a lot dryer. You can purchase clothing, as well as bedding, that stays cooler thus allowing you to avoid drenched nights and embarrassing public displays of menopause. The fabric is made with polyester microfiber and other blends that helps sweat vaporize easier by creating chambers where the liquid can collect but air can get to it so that it can evaporate. You have likely seen some of this clothing already in the form of yoga clothing and baby clothing.
Thankfully, now you can purchase under garments, bedding, blouses and pants made with the wicking fabric that is fashionable and simple to care for. When you wash your wicking-fabrics, do not use any bleach or fabric softener and always use the gentle cycle. It will come with instructions so ensure that you follow all the instructions to keep you wicking fabrics comfortable for a long time to come. Some the different types of clothing you might choose are:
- Blouses
- Cami
- Leisurewear
- Night Gowns
- Pajamas
- Pants
- Sleepwear
- Towels
- T-shirts
- Under clothing
- Yoga Clothing
The moisture wicking fabric feels soft to the touch and is very comfortable to wear. You’ll feel cool and sleep better than you have in years and wish that you had found these clothing before you started having hot flashes because you’ll wear them long after you have transitioned through menopause. There are even some brands that use recycled silver making super-fast drying fabrics; this is often use in beach towels. These special towels dry fast as well as help cover you from the sun and give a cooling effect on a hot summer day.
Suffering from vaginal dryness is a common complaint of perimenopausal and menopausal women. Usually you will feel uncomfortable and maybe have a burning and itching feeling, or pain during sexual activity if you suffer from vaginal dryness. The reason is that declining hormone levels decrease natural vaginal secretions. These secretions not only keep your vagina clean and fresh but also provide lubrication during sexual activity. The absence of these secretions can cause a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort not only physically but mentally between you and your partner.
Most women are too embarrassed to talk to their doctor about this problem, but you don’t have to suffer. There are things you can do to eliminate and even cure this problem. It is important to deal with the situation to avoid infections as well as sexual discomfort. Additionally, you don’t want your partner to feel inadequate or like it is his fault, and you shouldn’t feel like it is your fault. If related to menopause, this is probably completely hormonal in nature and can be fixed with hormone replacement therapy or lubricants.
Before assuming hormones are the issue, look at your diet as well as your medicine cabinet. Many medications like antidepressants, allergy medications and anti-estrogens can cause vaginal dryness. In addition, if you practice douching you could be causing more damage than you know because there is never a need to wash inside your vagina, all it does is destroy the naturally perfect balance in your vagina. Only douche by doctor’s orders for very specific conditions and problems. Also stop using bubble bath or scented soaps in the bath or at least rinse very well after a bath.
After eliminating, all other causes of vaginal dryness make an appointment with your doctor to find out the various things you can do to eliminate the problem. Do be sure to talk to your partner and assure them that it is not their fault, or yours, that your doctor will get to the bottom of the problem and soon enough you and your partner will be back to normal sexual activity. You can also try some over the counter lubricants, be careful with scented or lubricants with additions until you have cleared up the problem. If you’ve already been experiencing pain and even bleeding during intercourse you need to allow your vagina to heal before trying the extra fancy lubricants with additions.
Fad clothing was okay in your youth but now that you’re a mature, confident woman it is important to avoid faddish clothing, especially faddish clothing from your youth. One of the things that ages anyone is dressing the same way during the 30 years after you’re 20th birthday. It really doesn’t matter if you’re male or female dressing in the fashion of your youth, whether clothing, hairstyle or makeup will age you.
This isn’t to say that you can’t modify a style that you like to be more modern and enjoy wearing that style. For instance, big hair was a popular style of the 80’s, today if you wear that same big hairstyle it will age you. However, you can modify the big hair look by getting an updated version of that idea and you will immediately look and feel younger. If you used to bleach your hair blond, try subtle highlights instead. Try a more relaxed big hair look by avoiding the cement hairspray and having a more tussled look. More relaxed styles a little less made up will create a younger impression.
If you liked wearing leggings you still can, just avoid the silly patterns and harsh colors of the old days and opt for the newer sleeker fabrics, and tunics of today. If your legs still look great you can keep wearing short skirts and dresses, just make sure they fit well and that the patterns are not school girlish. You can wear jeans that have a rise below the belly button if you have the body for it but it’s probably better not to wear shirts that show your belly. Simple modifications are all that you need to bring what you like into the times. Be sexy with soft silky fabrics instead of showing too much skin.
Don’t forget makeup and accessories. As you age, lighter make is usually better. Thick makeup often sinks into fine lines that would not show had you not caked on the pancake makeup. Choose lightweight foundations, avoid powders opting for creams unless you still have oily skin powders age you and look less natural than creams. You can get cream foundations, eye shadows, and blush today that will enhance your appearance without over powering your skin. As for accessories, wear then! You don’t always have to use accessories for which they were created, you can use a necklace in your hair, double it up for a bracelets, use an extra-long necklace as a belt. Have fun with it. After all, you deserve to feel great!
