Hello there!
Glad you stopped by today, because we need to have a talk!
The 2nd Talk, that is.
Puberty was not that fun.
Menopause/peri-menopause is even less fun.
Women probably remember having a “first talk” that explained their changing bodies as they were approaching puberty. But as women approach menopause, many are hesitant to discuss this very normal life stage, and they enter it feeling unprepared and anxious.
At least with puberty you felt like you were growing up, and becoming a woman. I recall I was excited to look and feel grown-up.
I wanted breasts so bad, I even recall stuffing a time or two. 🙂
Just sayin’…I bet you may have too!
***********************
Now, growing older, I am not so excited, and I can guarantee you I am not stuffing anymore…
I am looking more into hoisting options now.
So here it is around six months after my first post for Poise, and my menopause symptoms are now in full force.
Did I think they were going away anytime soon?
No, not really! I am just surprised and concerned by the duration.
The biggest problem I am experiencing right now is that when I laugh I have less bladder control. {I pee} TMI, sorry, but it’s true, and I like to laugh A LOT, so you can only imagine…
But aside from that,
the other biggest problem right now are
the hot flashes!!~
I feel like Goldilocks: first I am hot, then I’m cold, then I’m just right.
I am all over the place at night. Sometimes I go to bed freezing, and then in the middle of the night, I am tearing off the covers and getting annoyed with myself for breaking out in a sweat.
Oh, and this is NOT only in the evenings anymore. This happens in the car during the day, sitting on the couch, just random times of the day. My body temperature just does not get comfortable. To break out in a sweat in the middle of the afternoon, for no rhyme or reason, is just downright ANNOYING and uncomfortable.
Especially if you are around people.
So when Poise offered me the chance to try out and review the Roll-On Cooling Gel or Personal Lubricant,
I chose the gel, as that is my biggest issue right now.
Poise Roll-On Cooling Gel lasts up to 10 minutes and helps you feel comfortable and refreshed. Not to mention it is lightly scented too.
I have nothing to lose…
except maybe a hot flash or two.
That’s why Poise started The 2nd Talk campaign–to help make this life stage better for all women by giving them the confidence to talk about menopause in a whole new way and to better prepare them for this time in their lives.
Now, keep in mind Poise has a complete line of products:
Roll-On Cooling Gel helps you feel comfortable and refreshed. Squeeze the tube and gently roll the cooling gel on wrists, chest or neck for a cooling sensation that lasts up to 10 minutes. Body Cooling Towelettes offer instant cooling and refreshment. Gently wipe the towelette on wrists, chest or neck to feel cool and comfortable. Featuring a portable, resealable package, these towelettes are easy to use anywhere you go. Personal Lubricant is designed to enhance your intimate experience. This lubricant features an easy-to-use bottle and is made without fragrance, glycerin or parabens. Panty Fresheners have a fresh and clean scent that lasts up to four hours. These discreet, hypoallergenic fresheners stick to the outside of your undergarments so you can confidently go about your day. Feminine Wash provides daily freshness with a unique formulation that is pH balanced for your intimate area. Glycerin and paraben free, this gentle wash will help you feel clean and confident.
I have been using the cooling gel for almost a week now, as needed.
Like last evening, for example.
I can tell you it is a wonderful and relieving product.
It even smells good and has moisturizer in it.
Get a free sample by clicking here or download a coupon here.
So now tell me, ladies,
How are you approaching life’s changes confidently?
Answer this question and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card.
SWEEPSTAKES:
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- Tweet (public message) about this promotion–including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”–and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
- Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 120 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 1/22/13 to 2/19/13. Be sure to visit the Poise brand page on BlogHer.com, where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
wow i wish they had this when i was going through it all i had were cans of powder i smelled like a carnation lol:)
I have not had any symptoms as of yet. Thanks for all the info as I will be ready for it when it comes 🙂
Sounds like it will help a lot,, sure gonna try ,,Thanks for the information,,,,,,,,,,and all your hard work
I’m not there yet but mayhap I’ll be prepared! We’re all late bloomers in my family, and the family joke/curse is that if you still have your womb in your mid-fifties, you have an oops baby. My family is notorious for them! I’d probably slit my wrist, but thankfully I had a hysterectomy two years ago.
I’ve never had a hot flash, and sometimes I’d kill for one because I freeze all the time!!!
xo,
RJ
Oh lord, sister…I dread it because I already feel like that most of the time. Thanks for the info and a few giggles!
I am not there yet. My sister went through Early menopause. I totally remember seeing my Mom going through it and my Dad trying to explain to us if you see Mother loosing it,don’t worry it’s NORMAL.. I remember thinking I never want to go through this.. LOL!!! Now that I am getting older, It will be my time to Loose it!! 🙂
xo
Angelina
You know I got to have that fabulous INSTA menopause… that was fun. I know all about hot flashes. The worst. Who invented those? We should kick him. haha.
I bet my MIL would love to get her hands on that cooling gel. Maybe I should pick some up for her? Perhaps a Valentine’s gift? {winks}
I have been very lucky I went menopause early and the only thing was feeling hot but not the burning and sweating that a lot of women go through.
I will have to tell my daughter about this. I had “instant” menopause when I had a hysterectomy eons ago. If I was not on HRT, I’d be miserable….and in the funny bin too!
xo
Pat
I’m taking extra vitamins and herbal supplements.
Oh girl, I feel your pain, anytime there’s laughter or sneezing involved it’s a race to bathroom. Thanks for the hosting the giveaway, have a great day.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/293770042208821249
I take Menopause supplements and Calcium with Vitamin D and magnesium. Seems to help on some days and then the others…..oh well.
I’ll have to try the roll on gel. Thanks
This is kind of funny in a not so really sort of way. Our life’s changes have come in the form of seasons of life. Our current season is filled with the joy of helping to care for our 3 grown daughters and their families, when they need help, of course.
Our oldest daughter and her family came down with that awful, horrible flu that is going around plus daughter is pregnant with baby #3. She grows HUGE babies – we’re talking 10 pounders. So, Steve and I took off to CA to take care of our sickies. Daughter uses the Poise liners and pads not just when sick, but because those linebacker babies have done a job on her bladder. Some leaking at times, exercise – laughing- if you get my point. So, daughter is throwing up, fever, yada yada so guess who had to make a run to the store because she ran out of Poise pads? Steve. Yeah, her Dad, and after raising 3 daughters there is nothing that phases him.
He had very specific instructions for exactly what our sick daughter needed (two different sizes of Poise pads) and he came home with the right products. He was taking care of his little girl – all grown up – again. Isn’t that what Dad’s do? They take care of their daughters no matter what they need and no matter how old they are. So, this isn’t my Poise story about life’s changes, it’s a family story about life’s changes.
That is awesome Marla…thank you for sharing:) Give Steve a high five from all of us. XO
I am taking evening primrose oil and vitamins
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/293789190506807298
I am approaching life’s changes with some concern, but I am eating right, getting a bit of exercise, really trying to take care of myself, to make the change easier.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
2nd entry tweet – https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/293798718497509376
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
If it wasn’t for bioidentical hormones, I’d be looney and as “hot” as can be – which is the TOTAL opposite of what I’ve been all of my life!! My son has to pick them up for me sometimes in a neighboring town and I always tell him, “Do not forget. You do NOT want me to run out of these!” 😉
This is just what I need! I’m full blown “hot flashing”! This gel sounds like a miracle and I can’t wait to try it!
Debbie
I certainly feel your pain…and sweats. I was just starting to get menopausal symptoms 18 months ago (at age 56, can u believe it)… and then had to have an emergency hysterectomy. So I went from some mild symptoms to full blown cranky, sweaty and just plain bitchy…haha. Couldn’t take hormones, so just had to tough it out. Still have some issues with heat and cold intolerance, but pretty much over the crabbies…
Wow! Good to know that all these products are available, though I have to say that I feel pretty good since crossing that threshhold a couple of years ago. No hormones, no hot flashes, but I do have some tenderness occasionally. Oh, and there are just some days when I can cry at the drop of a hat! It is just another stage of life 🙂
You are too funny. I never thought it would happen to me. I don’t know why? Thanks for reminding me we all go through it. Not one of my favorite parts of being 50ish.
I was “Thrown” into Menopause when I had Chemo for Breast Cancer….The hot flashes were terrible along with some other things as well….Well, its been 8 years since then and they are better but I still get them so i am looking forward to trying this new product…if it doesnt have any hormones in it that is…Thnaks for the giggles…
brenda
I was “lucky” enough to go through it in my early 20s. I had NO CLUE what was going on and neither did my doctor. By the time I was finally diagnosed I was at the end of it. The cooling gel would have come in really handy. (So would a few of those other products, but I’m not divulging which, LOL)
Oh Debbie, I think I am so there. I am the hot flashing queen right now. Not just at night anymore either. Sometimes I’ll be walking and think “quit drinking that coffee”- yet there isn’t a coffee in hand!! I can so relate to the laughing a little too much and a little well you know…. what in the heck is getting old doing to my body?? I am pretty sure I still feel 21~~ well mostly 29 but you know what I mean!! Thanks for the great post and I am totally going to check out this gel!!
I am right around the corner from you age wise, and I do appreciate women finally talking about what to expect..it makes it much less scary for those of us about to enter this phase. TY soooo much!
Been there…done that. Considering designing “survivor” T-shirts…of course they would need to have a zip out lining and tear-away sleeves for those “spur of the moment” temp changes. xo
Ugh I am so not looking forward to this stage in my life. I already go through hot/cold flashes!!! Even when it is -2 degrees outside I will break out in a sweat 🙁
LOL Debbie well that wasn’t an expected post but it gave me some laughs! I am sure I am on the verge of all of that good stuff, but I have used Poise pads since the birth of my 3rd child – not ashamed! Yep, my bladder definitely got weaker! (and all I can think about is that TLC show where the gal has 18 kids… holy cow!). Laughing too hard or a sneezing fit – ack! Thanks for the product info. And I may get the Hubs some cooling gel since he always gets so hot in the middle of the night. Haha.
Hugs,
Claire
No hot flashes but the night sweats–Killer. Unbelievable! It was weird at the doctor today looking at the charge sheet and everything was under Menopause. Written down all official-like. Sigh. Poise totally rocks to come out with products to help ease some of these symptoms. Thanks for sharing!
Hmmm, confidently? Well, I guess I’ve just learned to laugh about it and dress in layers. Thanks for the chance to win.
I think it’s great these products are available, especially the cooling gel. I experienced minimal symptoms and can’t complain too much. The gel would have been nice for those times I was flashin’, tho. Hang in there with your symptoms…it does get better.
Nancy
Having been through an induced temporary menopause when I was 30 I think I know what i’m in for. I was fortunate that I worked with a great bunch of people who understood the hot flashes and the two emotional crying spells that overtook me in a 6 month period. I can remember sleeping with the window open in January and a fan blowing on me! I live in Michigan 🙂 Thank goodness I had to go through that during the winter. Nature however will take her turn and i’ll get to travel this path again and likely for a longer duration. I’m as prepared as I can be and plan to let it run its course naturally. This post brought Poise pads to my attention and I will be checking them out. As for cooling gels and the like…. not my style. We were gifted this inconvenience for a reason and my plan is to roll with it. Thank you for a great post. It is inspiring to see how far we’ve come that we can discuss these topics openly.
Oh Debbie,
I feel for you; it’s not an easy road to growing older. Sounds like these new products may offer you some help.though. There have been so many advancements for products that can offer some relief. The best one is sticking your head in the freezer for a quick chill or dunking in a hot bath; did both many times. I carried around a heating pad and an ice pack – very cool that’s for sure. Just keep on crafting!!! Peggy
Haaa…the sticking my head in a freezer is funny! Someone may slam the door.
My menapause is chemo and radiation induced after a stem cell transplant 2 years ago…I have had the pleasure of NOT having the hot flashes yet – however I have had the need for Poise on a few occasions…but I will tell you that prior to being diagnosed with leukemia, I did have massive hot flashes and no period for several months – in fact – I thought I was going through menapause then and that’s what prompted me to go to the Dr’s for a physical and that’s when they found the leukemia…This is just warning of the importance of regular check-ups – sometimes us women take better care of others than we do ourselves…trust your instinct and take care of you first
great post Debbie, how brave of you to broach a subject most are a little shy to attack.I found if i cut back on caffeine I have less hot flashes, and sugar, and spicey food, lol, sounds like a lot doesn’t it.I wear cotton, and dress in layers so you can adjust accordingly!
After being pregnant nine times and having eight healthy big big babies I need those:) I have had hot flashes since I was 10 and drove my mother nuts. I am always hot and now my one daughter age 12 has the same thing.
Love this post!!!
I am totally laughing. Our generation is not going to be quiet or worry about TMI – our mothers already did that. I wake up soaking wet sweaty sometimes….but I have for a long time. 40?
Gotta tell y’all, reading all this was hilarious! No need to enter me into the contest, so many more comments and stories better than mine I just wanted to let y’all know how much I enjoyed the comments! I went thru most of the menopause stuff 15 years ago….the flashes still linger unfortunately but not as bad or not as intense. But I still tell the story of walking through Wal-Mart at 1am because I was so mad at “the Dude”…no reason, just menopause…I had no friends here in Dallas at the time (hometown New Orleans where all my friends were!). So, with no friends, mad at the Dude, needing to get away…what better thing to do than walk the Wal-Mart aisles at 1 in the morning! hah! Oh I still remember it. People looking at me like I was nutz (ok, so I was nutz at that moment in time!). Anyway, the poignant side of this is that “the Dude” is now going thru menopausal symptoms because of prostate cancer and being on hormone therapy. He experiences hot flashes then being cold and he’s a little more emotional than in the past. Part of me laughs, but most of me cries inside. If I could trade places with him again, I sure would. But please know ladies, life still has happy moments and we both laugh each day. I love reading these blogs and Debbie, just roll with all this menopause stuff..this too shall pass ;0)
by focusing on the positive!
https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/293928768525967361
I’m not going through “the change” yet, but I’ve developed adult-onset hormonal cystic acne, as well as painful periods & ovulation. Thank you, 30s! I am dealing with things as naturally as possible -natural remedies and dietary changes mostly -and what a difference!
My tweet!
https://twitter.com/eileenmarieO/status/293991445575106561
im staying positive! 🙂
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/294070530028478464 .
i am trying to stay more positive, eating healthier trying to lose baby weight and kicking negative ppl out of my life
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/294080027958575104
I’m so cold all the time that hot flashes sound fabulous! haha But approaching it with grace is my goal
I take a daily vitamin and exercise regularly. I try to stay positive and embrace life!
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/294131568463720448
same as always, just rolling with the punches, life is always changing! [email protected]
tweeted https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/294139747956322305
[email protected]
I just hope to take it a day at a time.
chambanachik at gmail dot com
I’m approaching life’s changes confidently by exercising a lot and taking comfort in the fact that there are great products that will help me along when it’s time for the transition.
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/tracylr233/status/294184284271566848
thanks!
eat better and exercise everyday
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/294200491569717248
I’m just glad to have lived long enough to go through the aging process! I’m trying to approach aging with as much grace as possible.
Oh Debbie, I NEED that cooling gel! Thought I was in menopause 5 years ago when the flow stopped but had no symptoms. Had a complete hysterectomy in June and the hot flashes and night sweats ensued. Turns out I wasn’t in menopause because I had a rare ovarian cancer that was producing estrogen in high amounts. I’m now cancer free and Effexor is helping greatly but I still flash and wake up at night. I can’t ever take Estrogen because it can prompt the cancer to return. Is this product Estrogen free? If so, sign me right up!!!!
I loved this post. That might sound pathetic, but it really is nice to know others are going through the same pain in the butt stage as I am. I didn’t know about any of those products, but will now be making a trek to the store to look for some of them. (And no. I will not tell you which ones, Nosy Nellie…)
As for stuffing my bra during puberty? Oh, no way. I was one of the first girls to develop, and that was painful in and of itself.
My biggest life change right now is having my first child (so no menopause just yet!)! I’m finding confidence in preparing for that by taking time to research it and work through my feelings/fears beforehand, so that when the time comes, I’ll (hopefully) be more ready for it!
https://twitter.com/atlantagalknows/status/294803649950019587
I have not had an easy time of it. I am still going through it. I have contacted my doctor regarding different issues and each time she says that what I am experiencing seems to be a symptom of perimenopause with menopause coming on. Some days are good and others really not so good. I just have to take it as it comes. I am not taking medication due to a health issue (unrelated) so I have to do things naturally. I am taking it as it comes.
It’s comforting to know every woman (mostly) have to go through this too. Just beginning the unpredictable periods…Not looking forward to hot flashes or mood swings. If they are anything like my PMS, boy is everyone in trouble. I don’t like losing my womanhood.
Love your review and your thoughts. I am approaching life’s changes confidently by thinking positively. It might be easier said than done. But I’m trying my best.
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/295035716751212544
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
I’m just taking it one day at a time – and hoping that my symptoms aren’t as bad as my moms were!
I am trying to stay confident and know that I am blessed to have made it so far and hopefully it won’t last forever. With being 40 and pregnant so the next stage is menopause and with a lot of these issues already during pregnancy, I hope there is a little calm before the storm!
Tweeted.
https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/295383779202191360
Staying calm and keeping cool. I love Poise products. My mother in law uses the pads and I’ve had to borrow one before. They give much more coverage than normal pads. The confident part is being prepared. You never know when a “heat wave” will sneak up on ya.
https://twitter.com/mendyd/status/295742253098483712
I keep up with daily exercises and have balanced meals to prepare for life’s changes.
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/295750649700810752
actually your comment about tmi, wasn’t tmi. It’s one of those things that although you know that a lot of people deal with it, but you still feel your the only one until you hear someone else talking about it. I am peri menopause and didn’t know that less bladder control was connected with menopause. So I don’t have to hide the poise under something in my shopping cart. Thank you.
Debbie, I think I’m going to try that cooling gel during our hot summer. Even though I don’t have hot flashes anymore, I still get hot, especially when I garden. A few years ago I had horrible hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms and finally went to a specialist who prescribes bio-identical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. BHRT took care of those symptoms within a few months.
I am taking vitamins (especially vitamin D) to help with mood changes and I go for acupuncture every once in a while to help with night sweats. I have lost weight recently and am exercising every day to keep it off, gain confidence, and help with mood.
I gain confidence from talking to my mom who’s been through the changes, reading others’s stories would help too, great to know poise and 2nd talk.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/297252671675584512
songyueyu at gmail
I am approaching life’s changes with a postive attitude I am eating right, getting exercise, eating right, taking vitamins and getting enough sleep to make the change easier.
I am accepting that change is a way of life, good or bad. We must embrace change and not try and fight it. That is the attitude I am trying to take anyway!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/299166418988056577
i stretch and stay positive
Find humor and enjoyment in the little things in life and keep smiling.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/299998013319958529
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/300391901952094208
My approach is trying not to think about it.
Due to meds and a thyroid problem I went through it years earlier than expected. Eating right, getting enough sleep and keeping my sense of humor helped.
https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/301898988158865410
I am approaching life by knowing that I can do things now like exercise, maintain healthy weight
Oliviatheservicedog at hotmail dot com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/OliviaAbby/status/302616447346176000
Oliviatheservicedog at hotmail dot com
I’ve been taking better care of myself both physically and mentally – I’ve been working out and telling myself to take a break every once in a while!
https://twitter.com/jfong1130/status/302618452974260224
i am keeping a positive attitude that i’ll get through it, been through worse health issues and once this is over i get no more monthly friend
I’m well past the stage of hot flashes and mood swings and I didn’t think they were really awful. (Talk to my daughter though; I guess my mood swings were rough on her)
I chose to go without chemical hormone replacement. I don’t know if it made a difference but I avoid chemicals whenever possible.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/303576059645935618
quite honestly, I am 55 years old and still having my period on a regular basis…I take one day a time…and try to keep my attitude positive.
i like to take it easy, not get stressed over things! hopefully when i approach menopause i will have it easy and if not these products seem like they would be helpful
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/303840772741025793
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
i am still young but i try to take care of my self
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/303963340886114304
Love the image! I never really thought about menopause but after seeing the image I have noticed a few of them. I am taking things one day at a time and I have changed my diet and drinking more water. sweepmorey at gmail dot com
I moisturize my skin daily, drink lots of water and walk several times a week
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/304000444949200897
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
To feel confident I try to keep my skin healthy looking by using lots of moisturizer and sunscreen.
I’m exercising and eating less sugar and carbs.
tweet https://twitter.com/prizepuzzle/status/304045342918332416
Haven ‘t gotten to menopause yet – will take it one day at a time. Thanks for all the info about products that help out!
i tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/304076600788545536
just trying to stay healthy
I try to stay consistent with exercise, and I dress in layers for those days when I’m hotter than usual!
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/321790247149121537
Very slowly, lots of sleep and one moment at a time for sure.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted here too
https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/327021683582058498
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
I’m taking it one day at a time and learning all I can about menopause.