In the UK there are currently approximately 15.5 million menopausal women. With most of these women feeling overlooked by society, it’s important that brands work to provide more education and support. Gen M, the menopause partner for brands, found that 87% of women feel overlooked by society and brands, with 88% wishing for their workplace to be better equipped for menopausal colleagues.
While there’s no set age to start menopause, it generally starts later in life with the average age in the UK being 51, with perimenopause (the transitional period before menopause) usually beginning in the 40s. During this transition, the ovaries begin producing less hormones, causing the menstrual cycle to become irregular and unpredictable.
For many women the menopause process is an extremely challenging time due to the symptoms that can come with it. Menopause can quite often be solely characterised with the common symptom of ‘hot flushes’. But the fact is, menopause can have severe effects on a woman’s life – from anxiety, to brain fog and severe migraines. It can affect everything from work to personal relationships, which is why it’s so important that it’s not overlooked or understated. Gen M talk about the 48 symptoms that menopausal women can experience, which range highly from acne, to breathing difficulties, changes in skin texture and depression.
the 48 symptoms
Acne
Altered Skin
Anxiety
Bladder Weakness
Bloating
Body Odour
Brain Fog
Breathing Difficulties
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Changes in Breast Size
Changes in Sex Drive
Changes in Skin Texture
Changes in Taste and Smell
Decreasing Fertility
Dental Issues
Depression
Dizziness
Dry Eyes
Dry Mouth
Fatigue
Feeling Cold
Headaches and Migraine
Heart Palpitations
Hot Flushes
Irregular Periods
Irritability
Itchy Crawly Skin
Joint Pain
Lack of Motivation
Loss of Bone Density
Loss of Concentration
Loss of Confidence
Mood Swings
Muscle Tension
Nail Changes
Nausea and Digestion Issues
Night Sweats
Recurrent UTI’s
Panic Disorders
Sagging Breasts
Short Term Memory Issues
Sleep Issues
Sore Breasts
Thinning Hair
Tingling Extremities
Vaginal Dryness
Weight Gain
Severe PMS
Who are Gen M?
Gen M are the menopause partner for brands! Their mission is to improve the menopause experience for all women, while also supporting brands who are looking to raise awareness and provide support. Their group of founding partners, including FFS, have all signed up to the GenM Pledge, joining their mission and helping to lead the menopause revolution.
How can I get involved?
You can join us with Gen M and pledge to raise awareness of the menopause and its 48 symptoms. Let’s break the taboo by talking openly with family and friends or start conversations on your social platforms.
Our menopause product picks:
FFS Razor
Often first occurring in the perimenopause, women can experience ‘Pruritus’ which is dry, irritable skin. To avoid any further irritations, we’d definitely recommend making sure you’re using a high-quality razor.
Natural Deodorant Balm
To help with those hot flushes – you never know when they’re going to hit, so our handy deodorant is perfect for keeping in your bag whenever you need!
Self-Tanning Mousse
Menopause can mean a drop in confidence levels. Give your self-esteem a boost with a gorgeous, natural glow! Our self-tanning mousse not only gives a flawless glow, but it also provides hydrating benefits to the skin.
Post-Shave Balm
With a prominent symptom of menopause being changes in skin texture, it’s so important to keep skin moisturised. Perfect for restoring the moisture balance to the skin, our Post-Shave Balm is a top pick!
Calming Bath Salts
Menopause anxiety is a serious problem for many women. One way to combat this is to take part in relaxation activities. Unwind by filling a luxurious bath filled with our calmingly floral bath salts. With Kaolin clay, lavender, rose and geranium oils to create a blissful scent.
