Davina - Sex, Myths and the Menopause

Did you watch the fantastic Davina on Channel 4 talking menopause?  Here at Team Cheeky the majority of staff are 'women of a certain age' and we love nothing more than a good old chat about 'taboo' subjects.

Chatting in the office, menopause and perimenopause are literally a pain in the butt.   Moodswings, low mood and stabby rage are very much the norm.   (We know, we MUST be fun to live with, right?)  For myself, night sweats and my on and off insomnia have been an ongoing for the last 4 years, since I turned 44.  More recently, 4 days before my period is due, my mood absolutely bombs. 

Normally I am very much a #brightside person, I just get on with things.  But for a couple of days, about 4 days before my period, Mr Hyde comes out to my normally sane Dr Jekyll.  At times, it has been bad enough that I've considered walking into the tide.  I don't think that would ever happen, but I'm snappy with the kids and things that I normally let roll over me become triggers for absolute RAGE.  The flip side of this is that I wake up feeling vulnerable and anxious and just want to hide under my duvet, away from the world.

Two days later, I'm fine. 

I have to say that it helps knowing that it's hormonal and it will pass.  Thankfully my partner is very understanding and lovely, and takes special care to look after me for those couple of days.  However I am filled with dread as to the impact that full blown menopause will have, if I am having these symptoms in peri-menopause.

I know that I'm not alone and that helps.   Jo, head of Customer Experience, who is also 48,  is owner of the aforementioned 'stabby rage' and suffers from really horrible, heavy and irregular periods which you'll know more about if she has ever chatted 'clots' with you! 

Kirstin, also in customer services has an even more sobering tale to tell.  She contacted her Dr 6 months ago because she was in the run up to her period she was left ruined by anxiety and paranoia, to the point that she didn't want to leave her bedroom for two days!  She had been suffering from hot flushes too and broached the possibility that she may be peri-menopausal.    Her Dr replied that she was too young,  couldn't possibly be peri-menopausal and prescribed sertraline, an SSRI anti-depressant.  They worked,  but why wasn't the possibility of HRT discussed?  This happens to all too many women.

HRT & Breast Cancer - the facts

Davina pointed out that the reason that HRT has had a LOT of bad press is mainly due to a flawed scientific paper 20 years old which stated that there was a much higher risk of breast cancer in women taking HRT.     This has since been proven to be flawed and we have a better grasp of the risks associated with HRT (approximately 4 in every 1000 cases of breast cancer), however obesity and drinking alcohol have significantly higher impact rates.  

HRT, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis & Alzheimers

The flipside is that there are positive benefits from HRT.   Women on HRT, on average, live several years longer than those not on it.  Scientists believe that taking HRT reduces the risk of heart disease by 30% to 50% which is the top killer of women and may even help avoid the possibility of developing Alzheimers.  It also protects against osteoporosis.  In my family, breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and alzheimers are all present, but surely the benefits from HRT outweigh the potential negatives?

The upshot of the programme is:

• Educate yourself.  Websites like the Menopause Doctor have a wealth of resources and are a brilliant springboard for learning more about this transformational period
• Think about your lifestyle and exercise choices. Could you eat healthier, drink less, exercise more?
• Visit your Dr
• Talk to them about HRT and be prepared to push for it!

Until you get to see your Dr and make those lifestyle changes, we can help!

Suffering from menopausal related vaginal dryness?  Switch to our toilet paper alternative kit

Cheeky Wipes toilet paper alternative kit has been recommended as a much more comfortable option than drying toilet paper.  In her words:

'I actually can't bear using paper toilet roll anymore. I don't feel so fresh. Being an older lady I often suffered with dryness and had to use vaginal creams but an amazing realisation hit me a few days ago so wanted to update you! I haven't had ANY problems: no dryness, no itchiness, no soreness....nothing! My stock of creams have been untouched! I can't rate these highly enough! Easy to use, clean etc and still as white as ever. I love looking at my washing line of my 'fairy nappies'…takes me back 30 years when my daughter's terry nappies were pegged out!'

Needing lubricant or having pelvic floor issues causing little leaks?  Switch to our absorbent period & pee protection pants

If you're suffering from vaginal dryness, then lube is a brilliant help. We love a bit of lube here at Team Cheeky. ;-) But they can leave your knickers feeling a bit...well, moist.

And we all love a bit of exercise and are aware that getting out and about in the outdoors is a massive mood lifter and confidence boost, with a sprinkling of endorphins boosting the natural physical benefits of exercise.

We haven't been shy about sharing that little leaks when exercising or dancing at a party (when that was a thing), are an issue for some of us here.   However rather than using chemical filled pads which can be sweaty, causing chafing and more discomfort, why not try switching to our leak-free absorbent knickers.  They aren't bulky or sweaty, but are actually pretty, sassy and comfy.   

And remember, we're all in this together. 

51% of the population are women. 

At any one point in time, 14% of us are going through the menopause. 

Let's continue to talk about it.  Let's not be ashamed or embarrassed about it.   Our customer services team are all women who use these products themselves and LOVE to overshare so if you're considering switching to reusable products such as our toilet paper alternative kit, or our absorbent pants but aren't sure where to start, please do drop us a line via chat or email.