Image: Peter Oumanski for TIME
 

RESEARCH

Anyone who has experienced hot flashes / flushes knows that they are no fun.
About 75 % of all menopausal women get them and many suffer in silence with little or no treatment. In this first-of-its-kind study from Linköping University in Sweden, researchers have taken on the task of finding a way to temper with the body’s temperature control system to ultimately reduce hot flushes using the simple exercise of resistance training.

The results: Women who did resistance training two to three times a week reduced their hot flushes by 44% on average compared to the study’s control group who did not participate in any exercise. THAT is one cool piece of news!

Brand-new NGO is educating about menopause in the UK
 
Newson Health Research & Education, a not-for-profit organization founded by UK-based Dr Louise Newson (also known as the 'Menopause Doctor') has an aim to combat misconceptions and poor treatment in the field of menopausal health. The organization will also be conducting research and educating healthcare professionals about menopause so that women with symptoms can get the right support & care.

We are thrilled to see what the future will bring for this new NGO!

BONUS: The organization’s first educational event Confidence in the menopause: A practical approach for primary care will take place on September 26^th.

The market is making menopause sexy!
 
Over the past few years the Femtech industry has expanded to a wide variety companies offering smart solutions related to periods, pleasure and pregnancy, but until recently, the market’s attention to menopausal women’s needs was not equally as enthusiastic.

Now tech-savvy sisters doing it for themselves!

A growing number of start-ups including Rory, Better Not Younger & Pause Well-Aging are challenging the stigma around menopause with stylish, innovative products gracefully targeted at mid-life women and their specific needs - 
and this is just the beginning.

Image: Malvestida Magazine on Unsplash

Female pleasure at the center of new study on menopause
 
One in three mid-life women experience low sexual desire. This can cause a lot of distress, especially in relationships. That is why we’re excited to see scientists now rooting for the promotion of sexual health and wellbeing in mid-life women!

In this systematic review and meta-analysis about testosterone treatment in menopausal women, scientists conclude that taking small supplements of testosterone during menopause can increase sex drive, sexual satisfaction and general sense of wellbeing in menopausal women.

The discovery is a MASSIVE victory, but there’s just one little thing: no international guidelines exist on testosterone use by women, and a supplement has therefore yet to reach the shelves. “Considering the benefits, we found for women’s sex lives and personal wellbeing, new guidelines and new formulations are urgently needed,” concludes Professor Susan Davis, the study’s senior author.

We couldn’t agree more.

#MakeMenopauseMatter puts menopause on the map
 
Since October 2018, menopause has been gaining more attention with the online petition #MakeMenopauseMatter founded by UK-based therapist, coach and menopause expert Diane Danzebrink. Having experienced severe menopause symptoms following a full hysterectomy six years ago, Danzebrink has made it her mission to educate everyone about the menopause.

This July, UK Health Minister Damien Hinds finally confirmed one of the petition’s three main goals: That students in all UK secondary schools will receive education about the menopause. Next step: menopause guidelines in the workplace & improved menopause training among GP’s!

Clothing brand Become partners with model Lisa Snowdon to break taboos on menopause

(A collaboration worth praise!)
  Since entering the market last year, clothing brand Become has been on a mission to empower mid-life women with functional & intelligent anti-flush apparel (yes you heard that right!) and a positive attitude towards the menopause.

Following a great first year with a bold campaign, an appearance on BBC, and a Women Centered Design Award at Women Deliver in Vancouver this June, Become recently announced their next move: an ambassadorship with UK fashion model, tv- & radio presenter Lisa Snowdon!

“It seems wrong that in 2019, the menopause is still looked at as a topic to be kept secret. I’m proud to be working with Become to bring this subject to light and in turn, allow women to feel supported,” says Lisa Snowdon. Amen, sister!   

The product range starts from £12.00 and can be purchased online!