Perimenopause Help: Because We Need It!

I’m in my mid-40s and I must admit: my body is doing all sorts of strange things. In the throes of perimenopause, I’ve entered a new (and daunting) phase of womanhood that not only entails haywire and heavy periods but a myriad of symptoms ranging from moodiness and anxiety to fluctuations in weight, headaches, and skin problems. Ain’t being a woman grand?

The good news is, the industry has finally listened to our woes and now there’s a wide range of products that can help with uncomfortable and aggravating signs of perimenopause. I’ve tried a lot of them, and these are four of the best. —Jennnifer Cox

Thinx Comfort Stretch Hiphugger period underwear, $52

For heavy period during the daytime, consider these period underwear, which holds up to 12 regular tampons worth of fluid. Designed with a LeakSafe barrier that guards against leaks, they’re made with a moisture-wicking fabric that will help keep you dry for hours. Plus, they’re super soft and comfortable to wear. Choose from a range of cute colours and styles.

Knix Reusable Snap Leakproof Pads – Overnight (3-Pack), $48

If you get heavy periods, especially at night, these are a game changer. They’re a comfy overnight pad that’s extra long for leakproof, stain-free nights. They’re designed with an easy snap closure and are not only super-thin but machine-washable and breathable. Plus, it absorbs about the same as seven super tampons! And the best part is, for each 3-pack purchased, one reusable pad will be donated to an organization in need.

Hush Hybrid Adjustable Cooling Pillow, $169

Hot flashes? Night sweats? This cooling pillow can transform difficult nights’ sleep. This pillow is fully adjustable and works for all types of sleepers (side, back, and stomach). It’s made from a custom hybrid mix of shredded memory foam and vegan down, allowing your head to relax into a feathery dream while still being gently supported by the memory foam. It also comes with our innovative ICED technology infused into both sides of the pillow, so you never have to flip it to get to the “cool side” of the pillow.

Vichy’s Neovadiol Meno 5 Bi-Serum, $67

During perimenopause, hormonal imbalances visibly impact your skin, while estrogen loss and cortisol can visibly show sign of aging. This magical serum reactivates five skin mechanisms in one product, correcting age spots, reducing wrinkles, reigniting radiance, and replenishing surface lipids. It provides strong antioxidant protection to help restore skin’s radiance.

Nixit menstrual cup, $54

Heavy, unpredictable periods can be tricky to navigate with pads and tampons (not to mention expensive and not very environmentally friendly), which is why I love the menstrual cup. This one is super simple to use: it’s made from soft silicone with a one-size-fits-all disc-style shape that conforms to your body and stays in naturally. It holds up to four tampons worth and can be worn all day or night, and will save you hundreds of dollars on throw-away products.