Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Junie on January 19, 2014, 01:33:13 PM

Title: What is right for me ?
Post by: Junie on January 19, 2014, 01:33:13 PM
I have been looking for diet and skincare natural products advice to help me through the menopause. I Have read so many books and read online, It is very confusing as I read through so many articles, On reading these articles, I am advised to take many supplements, and the skincare was just to much, for example a serum a moisturiser a cleanser, toner, night cream etc etc. how many do I really need??

Any advice please
Many thanks
Junie
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: honeybun on January 19, 2014, 01:38:14 PM
 :welcomemm:

Lack of oestrogen causes dry skin, hair etc so many of us find HRT helpful for this as well as all the other issues meno brings. It's difficult to look or feel good in the middle of a hot flush when the sweat is running down your back and your hair is stuck to your head.  ::)

As far as skin care is concerned just whatever makes you feel good. I would not get drawn into buying anything in particular as it could be very expensive.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Junie on January 19, 2014, 01:43:51 PM
Thanks Honeybun

Junie :)
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Maryjane on January 19, 2014, 03:13:25 PM
E45 you do not need any expensive concoctions, a mashed up ripe advacado pear with olive oil is a very good face mask treat, every now and then, and drink plenty of water. :)
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Dancinggirl on January 19, 2014, 04:49:48 PM
In my experience special Meno supplements and herb treatments don't work - I personally feel they bring a placebo effect for those who don't really suffer too many symptoms anyway. 
I think it is common sense that needs to prevail at this time in our life. 
If your symptoms are bad e.g poor sleep due to night sweats, many flushes during the day etc. the the only way forward is HRT provided there are no health issues that prevent you taking it.
A good balanced diet with plenty of exercise such as walking, swimming etc is the key thing whether you take HRT or not. However, if you are not taking HRT then you need to protect your bones and heart from long term damage due to lack of oestrogen.  Omega oils, Vitamin D, and extra calcium if possible.  Calcium doesn't absorb well in pill form so I make sure I have a yogurt every day as this can be a good source of calcium. Sunlight is the only real source of Vit D so taking high doses, especially in winter, is vital to help the body absorb the calcium. It is now know that Vit D is important for all sorts of things - it helps with lack of energy, immune system, depression etc… google it and find out more.
As Honeybun quite rightly says, your skin will get dryer after meno and it's about finding a moisturiser that suits you - don't spend a fortune. 
Instead of spending a fortune on products and herbs, use the money to go to dance classes or have fab holidays that will do you much more good.
Hope this helps.  DG x
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: CLKD on January 19, 2014, 08:25:30 PM
Lots of fresh air.  Brisk walking to stave off osteoporosis.  Before you go out, use a good lip salve and maybe some sun-tan lotion, as it will soon be warmer.  The wind can dry hands and face quite quickly.  I use Vaseline hand cream as necessary and Savlon if my hands or heels crack. 

'Simple' products are quite good.  As is 'nivea' ……………
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Mrs January on January 19, 2014, 08:54:17 PM
Hey

I have had cracked heels for years ...since being on HRT have dramatically improved...any link there with the two???
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: CLKD on January 19, 2014, 09:07:38 PM
Probably - unless you have altered your footwear?

I used to wear wellies a lot when walking the dogs and thick socks, my heels were often sore and cracked.  SAVLON deep into the fissures.  Every day.  Even when they were healing.  Now I don't have problems as I don't wear them as often.
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Mrs January on January 19, 2014, 10:33:40 PM
hI

I am office based so always nice shoes, low heels as I am 5ft 10! wellies yes sometime for walking the dogs but the change is incredible since starting HRT...someone once said to me cracked heels was a sign of hormone in balance ...who knows xxxx
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Junie on January 20, 2014, 09:38:36 AM
E45 you do not need any expensive concoctions, a mashed up ripe advacado pear with olive oil is a very good face mask treat, every now and then, and drink plenty of water. :)

Thanks will try the mask

Junie  :)
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Junie on January 20, 2014, 09:42:36 AM
In my experience special Meno supplements and herb treatments don't work - I personally feel they bring a placebo effect for those who don't really suffer too many symptoms anyway. 
I think it is common sense that needs to prevail at this time in our life. 
If your symptoms are bad e.g poor sleep due to night sweats, many flushes during the day etc. the the only way forward is HRT provided there are no health issues that prevent you taking it.
A good balanced diet with plenty of exercise such as walking, swimming etc is the key thing whether you take HRT or not. However, if you are not taking HRT then you need to protect your bones and heart from long term damage due to lack of oestrogen.  Omega oils, Vitamin D, and extra calcium if possible.  Calcium doesn't absorb well in pill form so I make sure I have a yogurt every day as this can be a good source of calcium. Sunlight is the only real source of Vit D so taking high doses, especially in winter, is vital to help the body absorb the calcium. It is now know that Vit D is important for all sorts of things - it helps with lack of energy, immune system, depression etc… google it and find out more.
As Honeybun quite rightly says, your skin will get dryer after meno and it's about finding a moisturiser that suits you - don't spend a fortune. 
Instead of spending a fortune on products and herbs, use the money to go to dance classes or have fab holidays that will do you much more good.
Hope this helps.  DG x


Thanks for the information, will get the vitamin D and calcium, was going to get this in a tablet form, but I see they do the yogurt one.

THanks again
Junie :)
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Junie on January 20, 2014, 09:44:38 AM
Lots of fresh air.  Brisk walking to stave off osteoporosis.  Before you go out, use a good lip salve and maybe some sun-tan lotion, as it will soon be warmer.  The wind can dry hands and face quite quickly.  I use Vaseline hand cream as necessary and Savlon if my hands or heels crack. 

'Simple' products are quite good.  As is 'nivea' ……………


Will be going to get savlon it is good.

Thanks
Junie  :)
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: CLKD on January 20, 2014, 12:26:42 PM
One doesn't need much of any product that we choose to buy  ;) .......... I love buying new shampoo and have to wash my hair as soon as I get home  ;D  ::) ...... same with bubble bath, have to use the new bottle that same night ........
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Rowan on January 20, 2014, 12:57:59 PM
Take a good multi vitamin and mineral supplement and some essential fatty acids (flax seed or fish oil)

A Vitamin D3 spray is an easy way of taking, one spray a day under the tongue.
Eat plenty of vegies and fruit (especial ones containing beta-carotene) and those containing Vitamin C

Eat salmon, walnuts and almonds ( for the magnesium)

Plenty  of water add lemon juice if you like it.

For skin care use a face wash or natural mild soap ( the ones you get at a health shop) and a face cream that suits your skin use it on your neck too.

The rest just fun, pleasure and good for your soul if you can afford treating yourself.


Here are some beauty and health tips.

http://pioneerthinking.com/beauty/beauty-3

Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Junie on January 20, 2014, 01:21:15 PM
Thanks so much
Will look at the link you sent, maybe you can write me a little booklet, lol


Thanks again

Junie  :)
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: CLKD on January 20, 2014, 03:45:25 PM
I have food fads and beauty regime is hit and miss.  I tend to wait until skin is dry before applying anything.
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Rowan on January 20, 2014, 04:52:33 PM
That's the simple uncomplicated version Junie  ;D
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: honeybun on January 20, 2014, 10:06:17 PM
I have always looked after my skin and now I think I am glad I did. I have never spent huge amounts of money but have a routine that I stick to. I always take off makeup at night, then tone and moisturise. It does not have to be an expensive night cream just something that softens the skin.
I use a body brush in the shower which really helps get rid of dry skin and then a body lotion afterward.

The one thing I think helps more than anything is the amount of water that I drink. Good for inside and out.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Junie on January 20, 2014, 11:25:52 PM
That's the simple uncomplicated version Junie  ;D

Thanks lol
Title: Re: What is right for me ?
Post by: Rowan on January 21, 2014, 10:06:37 AM
Forgot about the dry body brushing HB, I have two in my bathroom, one with a shorty handle and one long handled one. and chamois face glove that is really good.

I do try to body brush daily but I do fall by  the wayside and usually remember once I get in the bath ::) but it is great for the skin and lymph system.

I love looking after my skin too and it does pay off. I can't remember a day since I was very young that I have not used baby oil all over after a bath, as you say it does not need to be expensive, the secret is a day in day out routine. That's what French women do.