these must haves helped bridged the gap between active treatment and medically induced menopause. this list updates often so subscribe to keep up with the latest!
mind/Body.
Medically induced menopause does more than reduce the risk of recurrence in hormone sensitive cancers. It impacts the way our bodies feel on a day-to-day basis, and can bring on unexpected mental and psychological changes. This list includes products and techniques to explore after ovarian suppression or oopherectomy.
mind resources
Track changing symptoms with The Perry Menopause Journal: Empowering You With Knowledge, Sisterhood and Positivity. Guided Menopause Book with Expert Contributions by Physicians, Psychologists & Real Stories of the Community: Perry: 9798986985701: Amazon.com: Books
Explore the Home - Prickly Pear app for helpful and actionable recaps of your emotional health
Expand your care team to include licensed acupuncturists and Reiki Healers. Two local Bay Area favorites are Home - Acupuncture - Spiritual Coach - Transformation and fellow breast cancer survivor Home – Stacy Conlon
body resources
Vanicream - Fragrance Free Products for Sensitive Skin Care (I used it during chemo)
Amazon.com: Boiron Calendula Cream for First Aid, Minor Burns, Cuts, Scrapes, Insect Bits and Sunburn - 2.5 oz (excellent for radiated skin)
Skin Trip | Hydrating Coconut Moisturizer for All Skin Types – Mountain Ocean
Skin Therapy: CBD Body Butter for Dry Skin | Prima (love this!)
oSea undaria algea body butter (so lush!)
Black Girl Sunscreen | Sunscreen for Black Skin & Dark Skin Tones
face.
In just a few months following ovarian suppression, my skin started losing its luster, but no fear! Here are a few products that have brought back my glow.
facial care
Daily Ritual Discovery Set – Dehiya Beauty (I started with this and have since upgraded to full sizes—skin’s popping after EVERY use)
Hydrinity Renewing HA Serum - Anti-Aging Supercharged Hyaluronic Acid – Hydrinity Skin Science
Amazon.com: Q10 Rescue Facial Cream : Beauty & Personal Care
https://www.lashify.com/PAUSITIVE Save 20% with this link!
sexual health.
This can be harder to talk about and comes with emotional weight. Whether you’re dating, partnered, married, or something in between, the changes that come with hormone deprivation are real. Products help but are not close to an easy fix. Seeking professional help is recommended if it’s in budget. Intimate items are also included, if that helps support your mind/body connection. Here are options that continue to help in my ongoing journey.
sexual health
Women's Body Wisdom | Gabriella Espinosa | Midlife & Menopause Coach
Shop Personal Massagers | Relaxation Meets Pleasure | plusOne
Royal V Balm, Magnesium Sleep & Wild Yam Cream – Sister Yoni
https://helloagainproducts.com/?ref=157 use code: pausitive15
Coco Bliss Vaginal Moisturizer with Coconut Oil – Shop Womaness
Sleepytime.
Falling asleep is not an issue for me, but staying asleep is tricky. There are a variety of ways to address night sweats and racing thoughts so talk to your doctor. Here are a few items to potentially support your journey.
get more zzz’s
CALM Sleep Drink Mix
Life Elements Bath Bomb 200mg CBD
Latika Body Essentials Rose Quartz Bath Bomb
supplements.
This is NOT medical advice. Here are items that have supported my menopause transition. If you plan to consider trying any of these products, talk to your healthcare provider about what works with your line of treatment.
supplements
Rootless Bites
Neeshi
Oral Minoxidil (for hair thinning/regrowth)
Momentous Creatine
podcasts.
There are incredible women putting useful information into the world. I tuned into many of these when I started my menopause journey in order to get familiar with the terminology and get ideas for what to talk to my care team about. Listen and learn!
Podcasts
Menopause and Cancer
Black Girls Guide to Menopause
Life in the Pause
Pleasure in the Pause
Under the Sisterhood