Menopause can take effect between the ages of 45-55, according to Dr. Kecia Gaither, a double board-certified OB/GYN based in New York. Perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause official begins but the release of eggs is still happening, can begin as early as someone’s 30s and 40s.
This permanent end of a menstrual cycle can create a lot of hormone shifts and lead to some pretty uncomfortable symptoms, which “can vary from person to person and can include mood changes, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness and joint or muscles aches,” Gaither said.
There are also other potential side effects that Dr. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in Pennsylvania, said she has witnessed in her patients and has begun to experience herself.
Aside from the tell-tale signs of hot flashes and night sweats, Illyas said symptoms can also present in the form of hormonal-like breakouts similar to rosacea and keratoderma climactericum, a condition that results in thickened soles of the feet or palms of the hand.
Whether you’re currently experiencing this normal biological adjustment or just want to be prepared for the future, these doctors gave some general product recommendations that may help navigate both the physical and mental discomforts of menopause and perimenopause.
Keep scrolling to find more than just your typical personal fan (although those are definitely helpful) and find items that can help treat everything from hair loss to poor sleep.
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At 42 inches tall, this oscillating tower fan has close to 30,000 five-star Amazon ratings and produces a wide airflow powerful enough to cool an entire bedroom. Choose from three quiet speeds, a nighttime setting and program timers for automatic shut-off.
"I recommend talking to your dermatologist and considering topical keratolytics containing salicylic acid or urea," Illyas said.
You can also find the same chemical exfoliating capabilities in this internet-famous foot mask that contains a potent blend of natural extracts and acids that work to slough off dead skin and smooth even the toughest calluses and rough patches.
This popular scalp treatment, which comes in an easy-to-apply foam, contains 5% topical minoxidil to to boost hair follicle activity and hair protein production. It's also been formulated with a variety of botanical extracts and AHAs to promote a healthy and exfoliated scalp that's prepped for regrowth.
This fan-favorite, intensely hydrating shea-based cream is kind to sensitive and inflamed skin and is also infused with the soothing benefits of colloidal oatmeal and allantonin.
Illyas said that she likes to place her moisturizer in the fridge, as the cool touch of the product can help alleviate hot flashes while also soothing the skin.