This month, we’re raising awareness of the Menopause ahead of World Menopause Day on the 18^th October, coinciding with the launch of our Moments for Me Menopause Spa Day. Today, we are joined by founder of The Menopause Boutique and qualified Nutritional Therapist Lynda Allison, who shares her expert knowledge on all things Menopause. 

1. Can you tell us what drove you to launch The Menopause Boutique?

My mum’s life and story was the inspiration behind my business, and her struggle with early menopause was the driving force that pushed me to build a platform that could help women on so many levels. The Menopause Boutique brings everything together under one roof; nutritional advice, menopause, physical and mental wellbeing, and encouraging women to put time aside for themselves.

2. What do you hope visitors or customers take away from The Menopause Boutique?

I hope that visitors to The Menopause Boutique leave with a lot more knowledge and understanding about menopause and what to expect. Knowledge is power, and knowing what symptoms are related to menopause means you can do something about them, or at the very least knowing what is going on will take away some of the anxiety that comes with this phase of life. 

3. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the menopause?

I think about Wellbeing. Menopause is about us, its our time to invest in ourselves. The way we feel, both physically and mentally, is the very essence of life. For me it is all about feeling good, feeling happy but more importantly feeling comfortable and confident in my own skin. I want all women to feel that way. 

4. Do you think the subject is talked about enough? What more could be done to educate women (and men!) about this stage of life?

Menopause is out there, spoken about like never before. As women we feel at last, we can talk about it without feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed, we have come a long way.

I think there is definitely room for improvement. Understanding menopause and what the symptoms are can make the transition through menopause a much easier one, for women and men alike. Communication between couples is key, having your partner on your side makes you feel loved and supported. 

5. Is there any way women can help themselves prepare for them if they haven’t yet reached the menopause?

Women can certainly prepare themselves before reaching the menopause, the first thing they should consider is lifestyle changes that affect their general health and wellbeing. This includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and quality sleep. What we eat, how much exercise we take and how we manage stress levels can have a significant impact on our physical and emotional health. Lifestyle is a great place to start. 

6. When the symptoms do arrive, what are the three things would be top of your list to do to help yourself feel good during the menopause?

•  Eating nutritious food; food has such a tremendous power to help and heal our changing bodies.
• Quality sleep; never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Changes in hormone levels as we age can cause sleep disturbances, and sleep disturbances can alter hormone levels, turning into a vicious cycle.
• Regular exercise; research has shown that the more active you are, the fewer menopause symptoms you are likely to have. Get your body moving and show it who’s boss! 

7. You must have tried and tested a range of products whilst generating your own line – are there any specific ingredients women should look for when buying products to help with the menopause?

I have always loved body oils. Due to the fluctuation in hormones during menopause our skin and hair take a massive hit, our skin becomes dehydrated as the skin loses its ability to hold onto water and collagen production drops. My oils, as well as being natural, have the added ingredients to help with some of the most troublesome symptoms of the menopause. For example, our “Time To Sleep” oil is crafted from a pure essential oil blend of lavender, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, to name a few of the ingredients. When using body oils always look out for natural or organic ingredients. 

8. Which produce in your range is the bestseller and why do you think it’s so popular?

Of our 5 products in the current range, the bestseller is our “Nourishing Hair Oil”. Many women experience hair thinning or loss during menopause, and while this is a natural occurrence, losing or thinning hair is a distressing side effect, on top of all the hormonal changes that our bodies go through. Women often find that their hair suddenly develops a life of its own becoming very wiry, unruly and often accompanied by scalp irritation. Our “Nourishing Hair Oil” is designed to intensively condition and nourish, eases frizziness, restores health and vitality, provides a lustrous shine and soothes and nourishes the scalp. I think the hair oil is so popular because how our hair looks is very important to a woman, healthy hair gives a woman confidence. Hair care is not only an investment in self-confidence, but also, in a way, in our happiness.  

9. Why is nutrition so important during the menopause? Which foods would you recommend?

Ultimately, our food choices and the relationship we either abuse or nurture, will be felt in the body, mind and emotions. If we fuel our body with nutritious food and goodness, our bodies will thank us in return. I believe that good nutrition is the foundation of good health and “you are what you eat” is never truer than during the transition to menopause. Some of the most common issues during this new phase of life can be counteracted, at least in part, by your lifestyle choices.

I highly recommend a wholefood diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high-quality protein and dairy products. A good diet is all about getting the balance right and having lots of variety, think fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain foods, unsaturated fats and oils, and lean meat and fish to name a few.  

10. Are there any treatments that you would recommend to someone experiencing the menopause?

There are many treatments available to help with symptoms of the menopause. During menopause and in fact throughout our lives, we all need to feel nurtured and pampered, to feel like us again. I am pleased to be partnering with SenSpa on the “Moments For Me” Menopause Massage, which is a therapeutic treatment designed to use a synergy of beautiful scented essential oils to give our bodies exactly that pampering. It is a luxurious treatment to nourish and nurture the skin and the soul, taking time out to unwind and restore.

 Book your Moments For Me Menopause Massage

Shop The Menopause Boutique Collection

FAQs – Menopause

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause and it should happen naturally between the ages of 45 and 55, it can last for several years. This is the time when hormone levels start to fluctuate and you may experience menopause symptoms which could include low mood, hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety, trouble sleeping, amongst many others.  

What is the most common age the menopause starts? And does it ever end?

The average age for a woman in the UK to experience a natural menopause is 51, however, some women will experience it earlier or later than this. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually last about seven years but can be as long as fourteen years. Everyone is different. 

What are the main symptoms of the menopause?

The main symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats, difficulty sleeping, joint or muscle pain, headaches, weight gain, thinning or drying hair, fatigue, brain fog, poor memory, loss of libido, low mood and anxiety.