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The numbers are staggering — by 2025, 1.1 billion women will be in perimenopause — yet the topic is only now losing its stigma. By being shrouded in mystery, women have been suffering.
No longer.
“When we are ready for the hormone shifts, they don’t take us down,” says renowned board-certified Integrative Medicine physician Dr. Taz Bhatia, who has been my personal doctor — and dare I say sherpa — through the menopause journey. The once taboo topic that used to be referred to as “the change” has metamorphosed into something altogether, with millions of hashtags, a steady stream of symposiums, educational tools developed by pioneering physicians and advocates, and — finally — a $275 million bill in Congress. And we can’t forget about the NY Times article that went viral.
Here at The Quality Edit, we are celebrating Menopause Awareness Month by bringing you a guide —filled with resources and reliable products — for this transformational time. Read on and remember…we are in this together.
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SLEEP
While doctor prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can address fluctuating hormones that contribute to poor sleep — night sweats, insomnia and changes in mood upend our zzz’s — you can rely on the following non-prescriptive go to’s to ensure serious slumber.
Engineered to wick away moisture and keep you cool and dry while you sleep, Lusomé offers sheets, PJs, and nighties. I am getting far more quality shuteye in the Donna Shirt ($98) and Donna Pant ($98) as they not only keep me cool despite hot flashes but are incredibly soft.
Magnesium
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While magnesium is essential to sleep longer, get better quality sleep, and feel less tired (along with hundreds of other bodily functions), many women are deficient in the mineral. As our bodies don’t produce magnesium, and even the healthiest diets don’t recoup the mineral due to today’s farming practices, a supplement is a good regimen for menopausal women.
Midlife pioneer and podcaster Julie Flaksted also swears by spraying magnesium spray on her feet before bed.
SKINCARE
While everyone’s skin reacts differently, menopause is often responsible for drier, thinner skin (which comes from the nearly 30% of collagen loss during menopause), increase in redness and irritation, breakouts from hormonal fluctuations and an increase in facial hair. The following brands have been developed specifically for menopausal skin, striving to provide solution-oriented products — and menopause education.
Estrogen face cream has hit the zeitgeist, and for good reason. Studies (and reputable derms) have recognized that for perimenopausal and menopausal women topical estriol improves collagen production. Users (myself included) find that when used consistently, there is improvement in skin hydration, vibrancy and softening lines.
While an RX is required, Alloy provides this with the completion of a questionnaire evaluated by a menopause-trained physician.
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Alloy
Estrogen face cream has hit the zeitgeist, and for good reason. Studies (and reputable derms) have recognized that for perimenopausal and menopausal women topical estriol improves collagen production. Users (myself included) find that when used consistently, there is improvement in skin hydration, vibrancy and softening lines.
While an RX is required, Alloy provides this with the completion of a questionnaire evaluated by a menopause-trained physician.
Womaness
A brand that’s no stranger to TQE — having previously reviewed the line in full — Womaness offers both incredible products and education. Since interviewing the founders last year, the brand has expanded its reach with collaborations and partnerships to further their mission of educating women and building community.
Stripes Beauty
Helmed by Naomi Watts (who experienced menopause-related symptoms at age 36 and had to research, learn and advocate for herself when doctors dismissed her) created the brand to educate and support women with clinically proven products and community. While the entire line — which features skincare, hair-and-body, supplements and vaginal wellness items — is stellar, midlife friends admit Resting Clean Face ($38) and Power Move Ectoine Hydrating & Plumping Facial Serum ($85) have been game changers in keeping their estrogen-depleted skin calm and hydrated.
In January 2025, Naomi is releasing her first book, Dare I Say It: Everything I wish I’d Known About Menopause — detailing her personal journey, experiences from her (famous) friends, and practical advice from doctors and experts. If you pre-order a copy this month (and send the confirmation here), you will receive a 20% off promo code for for Stripes Beauty.
Botnia Skincare
This beautiful brand harnesses the power of plants to repair and soothe skin. Nourishing, rather than “anti-aging,” has always been top of mind for me — and this was even more invaluable throughout menopause while experiencing skin shifts and unfamiliar changes. I loved having the Rose Geranium Hydrosol ($22) on hand to cool skin and calm nerves.
SARTORIAL
Become™ Clothing is designed specifically for menopausal women, with a patented Anti-Flush™ Technology to wick away moisture, reduce odor and restore body temperature. I love the Everyday Bra ($48) and Boy Short Briefs ($24). The brand also features tops, leggings, shapewear and sleepwear.
SEXUAL WELLNESS
Menopause can have a significant toll on sexual well-being, with hormones impacting libido, vaginal dryness, sexual arousal, orgasm and more. This is top of mind to trailblazers striving to find solutions.
I am proud that a review of Tabu, a pioneer in sexual wellness having launched a kit designed for women over 50 who “were writing off pleasure too soon,” is the first article I ever wrote for TQE. The brand is a best seller on Goop (naturally) and continues to develop all-natural, never crude, science-backed products.
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Plum, a breakthrough science-first line of vaginal skincare, has launched their inaugural product: a Moisturizing Serum that mimics vaginal fluid to restore moisture, and balance pH levels and the microbiome. This hormone-free solution has a drip-free application and is formulated with Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Prebiotics & Probiotics, Omega 3, 7, and 9, Lactic Acid, Glycogen, and Plum Oil.
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Estradiol Vaginal Cream is a topical estrogen hormone to offset symptoms. It can be purchased through your OB or from Alloy ($39.99/month for a 3-month supply).
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Board-certified urologist Dr. Kelly Casperson is incredibly vocal in her efforts to help women as she discusses (among other things) sexual health, menopause and desire. The TEDx speaker and podcaster is now an author; her book “You Are Not Broken Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life” has been heralded since launching last month.
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SOURCES
It cannot be said enough, awareness and education — as much as hormone therapy and menopausal products — are your lifeline.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver is more than a leader in the menopause space, her most recent book dedicated to providing education and science-backed facts has been on the NY Times best seller list since hitting shelves this Spring. While comprehensive, Dr. Haver’s authoritative, straight-forward approach makes digesting the content manageable; the perfect go-to reference when questions arise.
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Dr. Taz Bhatia, who needs no further introduction here, has written the gospel of hormones with her latest book, The Hormone Shift: Balance Your Body and Thrive Through Midlife and Menopause. Through Dr. Taz’ East-meets-West approach, you learn about hormonal shifts that impact everything from metabolism to mental health — and how to manage them through diet, sleep, stress management and more.
Dr. Taz Bhatia & Julie Flakstad’s “The Midlife Truth” podcast is an invaluable one as it brings the Board certified integrative Physician and best-selling author together with the serial entrepreneur/speaker/writer who strives to change the narrative of aging. While each episode, since launching last month, has been informative this conversation with Dr. Sharon Malone is a fantastic place to dive in to learn more about the transition to menopause, the infamous WHI study that resulted in controversy for HRT and breaking down myths so that you can take control of your health.
The Swell, the “fast-growing community for the 40-plus that is hellbent on “Reimagining how we age,” holds symposiums across the country, featuring speakers and experts covering topics surrounding menopause, HRT and sexual wellness.
The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, created by Journalist Tamsen Fadal (whom I had the honor of interviewing here at TQE), a leading voice and advocate for midlife and menopause. The trailer alone will have you bated for this feature, the first of its kind.
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Tamsen also has a book on pre-order, hitting shelves March 2025. Coined as “Expert-Driven, Girlfriend-Approved,” she tapped into 42 experts and leveraged her own experience when writing “How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Better Than Even Before.”
You can get her Menopause Symptom Tracker for free now, because tracking will not only help you speak to the doctor but help you also recall what you’ve experienced. Because, I have to tell you, the brain fog is real.
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While menopause can bring about significant upheaval, the fact remains — Aging is a privilege, and we only get wiser, cooler and more confident through the years.
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