9 Products Women Over 50 Should ‘Add to Cart’ on World Menopause Day

World Menopause Day is October 18th! How will you celebrate? We’re hoping your day includes a bit of TLC and some online shopping. As the number one place on the internet for women over 50, we’ve rounded up our favorite menopause-related products to help support you. From soothing skincare and supplements to comfy, cooling bedding, we’re here to support you through every phase of this life journey.

But first, we thought you might appreciate some insights from Dr. Sara (Gottfried) Szal, women’s health expert and medical advisor to ŌURA. 

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological transition marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. It’s officially defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, characterized by a significant decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. This hormonal shift triggers a cascade of changes throughout the body, affecting not just the reproductive system but also metabolism, bone density, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. It’s important to understand that menopause is not a single event but a gradual process that can span several years, with the period leading up to menopause known as perimenopause.

What are some common menopausal symptoms?

Menopausal symptoms stem from the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this transition, often manifesting as a complex interplay of physical and psychological changes. The decline in estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances, night sweats, and hot flashes. These symptoms often create a vicious cycle, with poor sleep exacerbating mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
Many women experience cognitive changes, often described as “brain fog,” which can affect memory and concentration. Physical symptoms may include vaginal dryness, decreased libido, weight gain (particularly around the midsection), joint pain, and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, some women may develop sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome during this time, further compromising sleep quality and overall well-being.

Here are common symptoms:

• Irregular menstrual cycles, or cycles becoming more frequent as you age
• Agitation or premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Painful and/or swollen breasts (mastalgia)
• Cyclical headaches (particularly menstrual or hormonal migraines)
• Your blood seems to pool easily, or your skin bruises easily
• Hemorrhoids or varicose veins
• Heavy or painful periods (heavy: going through a super pad or tampon every two hours or less; painful: you can’t function
• without ibuprofen)
• Bloating, particularly in the ankles and belly, and/or fluid retention (in other words, you gain 3 to 5 pounds or more before
• your period)
• Ovarian cysts, breast cysts, or endometrial cysts (polyps)
• Easily disrupted sleep, perhaps with night sweats
• Itchy or restless legs, especially at night
• Increased clumsiness or poor coordination
• More cravings for food, alcohol, anything to calm you down
• Miscarriage, usually in the first trimester
• Infertility or subfertility

Tips for managing menopause symptoms

Managing menopause symptoms requires a multifaceted approach tailored to each woman’s unique experience. Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role: adopting a balanced diet rich in nourishing micronutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium and magnesium; engaging in regular exercise, particularly heavy weight training; and practicing stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness meditation or yoga.
Improving sleep hygiene by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a cool and comfortable sleeping environment, and avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can significantly alleviate night sweats and insomnia. Given that women have double the rate of insomnia compared to men and it tends to start at midlife, I recommend that every perimenopausal and menopausal woman start tracking sleep with a wearable.
For more severe symptoms, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be considered under medical supervision, weighing the benefits against potential risks. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal supplements (e.g., maca, black cohosh, vitex), and cognitive behavioral therapy have shown promise for some women. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized management plan that addresses individual symptoms and health concerns.

Medically-proven natural remedies for menopause

• Paced breathing cuts flashes by 44 percent. Not too shabby. Breathe deeply twenty minutes twice per day with a five-second inhale, a ten-second hold, and a five-second exhale.
• Maca. This powerful herb helps with a variety of issues associated with hormonal imbalance, such as menstrual irregularities, fertility, menopause symptoms, and impotence. It increases estradiol in menopausal women and helps with insomnia, depression, memory, concentration, energy, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, as well as improved body mass index and bone density.[9] A powerhouse, maca extract comes in both a capsule and a liquid tincture available at your local health food store. The common dose is 2,000 mg/day. Maca has a malty taste that I prefer to mask with 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder in my breakfast smoothies.
• Acupuncture. I’m a fan of outsourcing your neuroendocrine repair, at least in part. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce hot flashes and night sweats.

Common misconceptions women may not typically understand about menopause

The top misconception is that the change is hormonal only. The truth is that the brain changes, your metabolism massively changes, and your immune system changes, leading to more puffiness (more difficult to get your rings on and off your fingers) and chronic inflammation, and more autoimmune disease and vaccine reactions. Menopause is much more than simply a reproductive event with limited impact on overall health. In reality, the hormonal changes of menopause affect nearly every system in the body, influencing long-term health risks including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Another common misunderstanding is that menopause symptoms are uniform and inevitable; in fact, experiences vary widely among women, with some experiencing few symptoms while others face significant challenges.There are more than 100+ symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, so each woman’s experience can be unique.
Many women underestimate the duration of the menopausal transition, which can last several years. There’s also a lack of awareness about the psychological impact of menopause, including its potential effects on mood, self-image, and relationships.

Best menopause advice

Don’t outsource your power to a doctor who doesn’t take your concerns seriously. I have experienced this problem myself, and I’m a doctor! About ¾ of women don’t get the care and treatment they need in menopause – refuse to be one of those statistics. Don’t settle for having your concerns dismissed, and keep looking for a collaborative clinician who can help you find the root cause of your symptoms and assess you for whether you are a good candidate for hormone therapy or another approach.
It’s crucial for women to view menopause as a natural phase of life rather than a medical condition, presenting opportunities for personal growth and a renewed focus on health. This transition can be an ideal time to reassess lifestyle choices, prioritize self-care, and explore new interests.

Now, keep reading to discover some must-have products that can make your day (and every day) a little easier!

Founded in 2014, the indie brand DeoDoc was formulated and still run by women doctors (one, an OB/GYN with over 50 years of experience)! DeoDoc launched its Meno Care line with 2 products last year (2023) after years of feedback from their patients. Today, its Meno Care range is award-winning and six products strong. The brand’s most recent and exciting offering is a hydrating on-the-go Oil Mist and a must-try! Enriched with natural vitamins and plant based oils such as chamomile oil and Swedish oat oil, this spray delivers a finely dispersed oil mist that easily penetrates menopausal vulvar skin. It allows for smooth and hygienic application without the need to use your fingers.

Most Convenient (and Nice to Have Handy) Menopause Support: Winx UTI Tests

Menopause comes with a slew of symptoms that can cause major changes in your body and hormones — one of which includes an increased risk of UTIs which are incredibly uncomfortable and unpleasant to deal with. That’s where Winx Health comes in! Their at-home UTI Test + Treat offer a convenient and affordable solution for women experiencing menopause.

These products come recommended by Kseniya Popova, executive director of R&D and Innovation at The Rootist! Menopause gives a shift in hormones and may cause hair strands to shed more and be thinner overall. Anything that helps with thickness, volume, and fortifying/strengthening the root of the hair is most beneficial for older women. This includes The Rootist’s products brimming with proteins and amino acids like BioBrew, Shampoo, and Conditioner.

Additionally, many menopausal women tend to have drier strands but greasy roots. Enter the SA in Clarify Serum, which can help with greasy roots.

Thermella is a revolutionary, hormone-free supplement from Bonafide is designed to tackle hot flashes and night sweats, offering rapid relief and a boost in overall well-being. It’s designed to decrease the frequency of hot flashes — 94% of women see a reduction in hot flashes and night sweats at two months and beyond!

Perimenopausal? One study shows 91% of women ages 42-52 recorded 1-3 occurrences of bleeding that lasted 10 or more days in a three-year period. With a heavier and longer flow, perimenopausal women will likely be spending more on disposable period products as the price of disposable sanitary pads and tampons has been climbing faster than the price of food. Saalt has reusable period products such as menstrual cups and discs and leakproof underwear that can help save money. 

If you’re over 50 and don’t own a pair of pajamas from dagsmejan, this is your sign! Their Stay Cool line is perfect for hot sleepers of any age. Each piece is made from cooling eucalyptus fabric and sustainably made in Europe. You’ll love how fast-drying this material is — even if the night sweats start, they won’t be around for long!